By Alan Clement
German government has initiated an agricultural support program, distributing improved seeds to over 1,000 smallholder farmers in Yei and Magwi counties.
Implemented by GIZ South Sudan, the intervention aims to bolster production and enhance food security, as farmers prepare for second planting season.
The distribution, undertaken on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, provides farmers with certified varieties of vegetable, cereal, and legume seeds.
The selected seeds are designed to offer protection against common pests and diseases, which plagued harvests and undermined farmers’ livelihoods.
By ensuring access to resilient, high-yielding seeds early in the season, the initiative seeks to significantly improve harvest yields and, consequently, the incomes of countless rural households.
Speaking at a seed distribution at Gimunu Boma, Emmanuel Anur Towongo, GIZ South Sudan Agricultural Advisor, underscored the transformative potential of the program.
“Access to quality seeds is the beginning of a successful harvest,” Towongo stated. “By providing improved varieties, we are making a significant step toward increasing food production, improving livelihoods, and building a food-secure community.”
Local authorities and community leaders in the targeted regions have warmly welcomed the German government’s support, describing it as both timely and profoundly impactful.
For years, farmers in these areas have grappled with the debilitating effects of poor harvests, often attributed to persistent pest infestations, unpredictable climate challenges, and the prevalent use of low-quality seeds.
This new influx of high-grade seeds offers a beacon of hope, promising a more stable and prosperous agricultural future.
GIZ South Sudan emphasized that this program is an integral part of broader efforts dedicated to strengthening food systems throughout South Sudan.
It specifically targets families who rely heavily on small-scale farming for their survival, providing them with the essential tools needed to cultivate more productive and sustainable farms.
The distribution effort is set to continue in the coming weeks, ensuring that more deserving farmers receive the critical support necessary to foster food self-sufficiency and build resilient communities.