(JUBA CITY) – The National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has issued a formal warning to the public about fraudulent online messages and advertisements falsely claiming to offer government backed agricultural grants. The scam, circulated under the name of a group calling itself the “Global Farmers Association,” has already misled some individuals into sharing personal information.
In its statement, the Ministry clarified that it has no partnership or cooperation with the so called “Global Farmers Association” and has not authorised any of the websites, email addresses, or adverts currently in circulation. Officials stressed that these communications are not official and should not be trusted by the public.
The Ministry explained that all legitimate announcements, programmes, and calls for applications are released only through its official website (www.mafs.gov.ss) and the Ministry’s verified Facebook page, titled National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). Any other channels, it said, should be treated as fraudulent.
Authorities confirmed that some citizens have already fallen victim to the scheme, which exploits vulnerable individuals by promising fake grants and requesting sensitive personal data. The Ministry expressed concern that such activities undermine trust in official agricultural support programmes and may cause financial harm to unsuspecting families and businesses.
The Ministry advised the public to remain vigilant. It outlined three key safety measures: avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, confirm the authenticity of any message through the official Ministry website or Facebook page, and report any suspicious activity immediately to MAFS and relevant law enforcement agencies.
Officials also stressed that transparency remains central to the Ministry’s work. All genuine initiatives, including support for farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness ventures, will continue to be announced through formal government communication platforms.
The warning comes at a time when agriculture is seen as vital to South Sudan’s economic growth. With more than 70 per cent of the population engaged in farming, fake grant scams risk diverting resources and discouraging participation in real government and donor supported initiatives. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding farmers by ensuring that official opportunities are clearly communicated and accessible.
Official vs Fake Grant Communications
| Source | Status | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| www.mafs.gov.ss | Official | Cross check with government domain |
| MAFS Facebook page (verified) | Official | Confirm verified account name |
| “Global Farmers Association” websites | Fake | Not registered with government |
| Random email addresses offering grants | Fake | Not linked to official domain |
