(BOR, JONGLEI STATE) – The sight of thousands of cattle grazing in Tibek Cattle Camp near Bor is a reminder of the central role livestock plays in South Sudan’s economy. For herding families, cattle are not only a source of food and income but also the foundation of social relations and a store of wealth. Yet this foundation is fragile. Disease outbreaks, cattle raids and resource conflicts threaten livelihoods and undermine economic stability.
In response, Indian veterinarian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been providing veterinary care in Jonglei. Over recent weeks, they have treated animals through vaccinations, deworming and minor surgeries, while also training 60 community animal health workers to ensure continued local support.
The health drive reflects more than just a humanitarian gesture. Livestock is an economic pillar for South Sudan, valued in the hundreds of millions of heads across the country. Cattle provide milk, meat, and hides, while sales at markets generate cash for education, healthcare, and household goods. They are also used as collateral in traditional transactions, including marriage dowries and dispute resolutions. A decline in herd health can therefore ripple through the entire economy.
| Economic Contribution of Livestock in South Sudan | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
| Household livelihoods | Primary source of income for rural families |
| Food security | Milk and meat supply for local consumption and trade |
| Informal economy | Used in dowries, settlements, and barter transactions |
| National trade | Key commodity in local and cross border markets |
| Conflict driver | High value fuels raids and disputes, creating instability |
At Tibek Cattle Camp alone, which shelters more than 2,000 cattle, the risk of disease outbreaks could quickly wipe out family incomes.
“My life and that of my children is dependent on these cattle,” said local herder Yar Guet Kuol, a 40-year-old mother of four. She explained that milk sales sustain her family and allow her to buy essential goods.
Lt. Col. Harmanjeet Singh Goraya, the lead Indian veterinarian, emphasised that prevention is critical in crowded camps.
“When you have so many animals in close proximity, common ailments can spread quickly,” he said.
His team also introduced simple remedies, such as using Neem tree leaves to fight ticks, making disease management more affordable for herders.
The training of community animal health workers is expected to improve the resilience of local economies by ensuring veterinary services remain accessible even without international support. According to India’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Anil Nautiyal, the project demonstrates that peacekeeping can support sustainable development.
“True lasting peace is built on actions that protect livelihoods and create opportunities for communities,” he said.
South Sudan’s livestock sector remains largely informal, with limited investment in veterinary services, processing, and export capacity. Yet it has significant potential to contribute to the formal economy. Proper animal health systems could help reduce losses, increase productivity, and attract investment in areas such as dairy production, meat processing, and cross border trade.
According to a statement on the UNMISS portal, the immediate gains are visible in healthier herds and stronger community confidence. But the wider significance for the peace keepers lies in connecting livestock health to economic security in a country where cattle are wealth.