(LAFON) – Communities in Lafon County, Eastern Equatoria State, are increasingly turning to fishing as a primary source of food and income, following recent seasonal rains that have filled rivers and swamps across the region.
According to local officials, heavy rainfall in nearby Torit has caused water to flow into the Lafon River, creating a renewed opportunity for fishing in the area. The development comes as crop production remains unreliable for many households in South Sudan, making alternative livelihoods like fishing more important than ever.
In a phone interview with Radio Emmanuel, Lafon County Executive Director Utong James confirmed that fishing activities have resumed and are now helping to support families. However, he stressed that most residents are using outdated or traditional fishing methods due to a shortage of proper equipment.
“Fishing activities have resumed as rainfall intensified,” said Utong. “The main challenge is the lack of proper fishing tools. The equipment provided earlier by the World Food Organization (WFO) has been damaged. Many people now rely on traditional methods, which are less effective.”
He called on the national government and international humanitarian agencies to urgently provide assistance in the form of fishing tools such as modern nets, hooks and protective gear.
“My message to the government and partners is simple: please supply modern fishing gear. These communities rely heavily on fish and local meat because farming is not dependable,” he said.
Utong highlighted the growing importance of fishing as both a source of nutrition and a way to earn income. He warned that without support, the opportunity to develop a sustainable local fishing economy could be lost.
Fishing has long been part of the cultural and economic life in parts of South Sudan. However, climate change, conflict and poor infrastructure have made it difficult for many communities to maintain traditional livelihoods. The current situation in Lafon reflects the broader struggle faced by rural populations who are adapting to new environmental conditions with limited resources.
The local authorities are hoping that increased attention to these issues will lead to tangible support, especially as the rainy season continues to expand access to rivers and water bodies across the county.
The shift toward fishing aligns with broader development priorities in South Sudan, where humanitarian groups and government agencies are seeking to promote climate resilient livelihoods in the face of growing food insecurity.
Residents of Lafon hope that with the right tools, fishing can evolve from a seasonal fallback to a long term source of survival and development as rainfall patterns continue to fluctuate and farming remains unpredictable,
