(JUBA) – South Sudan has launched its National Rice Development Strategy 2024–2030, aiming to transform the agriculture sector and strengthen food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security unveiled the strategy on Friday, highlighting rice as a key driver for economic growth and local market development.
Deputy Minister Lily Albino Akol said the strategy marks a national effort to enhance rice value chains, empower farmers, and reduce dependence on imported rice. The initiative aligns South Sudan with the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD), a regional effort to boost rice production across the continent.
The strategy focuses on increasing national rice production, improving farmer skills through training and technology, and expanding production areas. It also seeks to introduce diverse rice varieties and support commercialisation to save foreign exchange and strengthen local markets.
Development partners, including JICA and FAO, have provided technical and financial support in shaping the strategy. The government emphasised its commitment to modernising food systems, improving nutrition, and empowering farmers to play a central role in the agriculture sector’s transformation.
The National Rice Strategy is part of broader investment efforts targeting key areas of South Sudan’s agriculture sector. These include increasing sorghum production, boosting cattle and small ruminant meat production, expanding milk and poultry production, improving fisheries, and enhancing storage and processing capacities.
The Aweil Rice Scheme (ARS) will serve as a flagship project, focusing on rice production and commercialisation. The overall goal is to create a more resilient and diversified agricultural sector capable of supporting inclusive growth and economic development.
Officials say the strategy provides a clear roadmap for South Sudan to achieve national food security, reduce import dependency, and strengthen the country’s position in regional rice markets.
Investment Focus Table
| Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|
| Rice | Increase production, introduce new varieties, improve farmer skills, promote commercialisation |
| Sorghum | Boost production and value chain development |
| Livestock (cattle & small ruminants) | Improve meat production and processing |
| Milk & Poultry | Expand production, processing, and commercialisation |
| Fisheries | Increase capture and processing capacity for domestic and export markets |
| Storage & Processing | Enhance facilities to reduce post-harvest losses |