(OBBO) – The Obbo Community in Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State has lifted a controversial local bylaw that previously restricted buyers from purchasing agricultural produce directly from farmers. The bylaw, introduced by a group of traders and rate collectors, had imposed a queue system that particularly affected buyers using heavy trucks to collect fresh maize and cassava.
The regulation had drawn criticism from both farmers and residents who saw it as a threat to open market access. Locally known as Awara-Wara, these independent produce buyers had been forced to wait in line under the system, leading to delays, reduced sales, and growing frustration.
In a meeting held on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Deputy Chairperson of the Obbo Community Development Association (OCDA), Akut James, announced the official revocation of the bylaw.
“The Obbo Community Development Association has lifted this bylaw to allow our farmers to benefit directly from their produce without interference,” Akut said. “Farming is our backbone. Everyone should be free to sell their goods whenever needed to meet household expenses like school fees, healthcare, and food.”
Obbo is widely regarded as the food basket of Magwi County and plays a central role in supplying fresh produce such as maize, cassava, beans, cabbage, and groundnuts to surrounding urban markets including Torit and Juba. The now repealed restriction had disrupted the region’s agricultural trade flow, with some farmers reporting unsold crops and wasted harvests.
Local farmers have welcomed the decision, seeing it as a step towards economic freedom and improved market participation. Many expressed hope that the move would lead to better prices and stronger buyer competition, especially during peak harvesting seasons.
With the removal of the bylaw, the community expects a rebound in farm gate sales, reduced produce waste, and renewed interest from external buyers who had previously avoided Obbo due to the constraints.
Farmers in the area have long called for policies that support rather than hinder trade. Their concerns centred on the inability to freely negotiate sales, make quick transactions, or transport goods efficiently, all of which are vital in a region where income from farming directly supports essential household needs.
The revocation comes as Obbo and other agricultural areas in Eastern Equatoria seek to boost local economies by improving access to regional markets.
