(JUBA) – Governor Emmanuel Adil has called for stronger policies and investment in pastoral and livestock development, saying the sector has the potential to create income, reduce poverty and support food security if supported with the right systems.
The Governor made the remarks at a two day South Sudan Conference on Pastoralism and Livestock Development in Juba. The meeting brought together national ministries, regional institutions and development partners to discuss how pastoral communities can benefit from better management systems, market access and climate adaptation strategies across the IGAD region.
Governor Adil said pastoralism remains an important part of rural life but continues to face pressure from poor infrastructure, climate change and insecurity. He noted that communities still rely heavily on livestock for income, nutrition and trade, but these challenges reduce the sector’s productivity and limit its ability to support local markets.
He added that the conference offers a platform to shift pastoralism away from a picture of vulnerability and towards a sector that can expand rural business opportunities. He urged government institutions and partners to adopt practical policies that can help unlock the full potential of the pastoral economy for communities across South Sudan.
The National Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo, said livestock continues to be a central part of rural livelihoods. He explained that the government is seeking new partnerships to strengthen the sector through improved breeds, better veterinary services, modern processing centres and stronger marketing systems. These steps, he said, are needed to support both producers and traders.
Dr Kathiya Dominic Lokeris from the IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development said the region needs cooperation from local and national actors to create sustainable livestock systems. He encouraged governments and partners to work together in research, policy, training and technology transfer to help countries in the region benefit from expanding livestock markets.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with support from IGAD, focused on solutions to poverty, cattle related conflict and low market access. The discussions centred on better policies, improved value chains and climate smart practices that can help build a stronger and more stable pastoral economy.
Main Focus Areas in Livestock Development
| Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Policy Development | Support stable and predictable livestock markets |
| Animal Health Services | Improve productivity and reduce losses |
| Processing and Marketing | Increase value addition and market reach |
| Climate Adaptation | Help communities cope with changing weather patterns |
| Training and Research | Build skills and promote modern livestock practices |
The outcomes of the conference are expected to guide future livestock programmes, support rural communities and help expand South Sudan’s wider economic base.
