(JUBA COUNTY) – Cooperatives Strengthen South Sudan’s Rural Economy and Food Security
The National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with UNDP South Sudan, the International Cooperative Alliance, and other development organisations, has marked International Cooperatives Day 2025 with a focus on how collective action is supporting the country’s economic growth.
Cooperatives across South Sudan are playing an increasingly important role in helping farmers, women, and young people improve their livelihoods. Members are gaining better access to markets by pooling resources and knowledge, raising productivity, and building resilience against economic shocks.
Officials noted that cooperatives are giving smallholder farmers stronger bargaining power, helping them sell produce at fairer prices while reducing transport and marketing costs. With support from development partners, many cooperatives have also introduced savings and loan schemes, giving members access to credit that would otherwise be difficult to secure.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stressed that supporting cooperatives is part of a wider strategy to improve food security. By working together, farmers are able to store produce, reduce post harvest losses, and negotiate bulk sales to traders and suppliers. This is particularly important in rural counties where infrastructure is weak and markets are hard to reach.
According to UNDP, strengthening cooperative networks fits closely with South Sudan’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The approach also aligns with the Country Programme Document, which emphasises building resilient communities and supporting inclusive growth.
Development agencies have pointed to early successes in areas where cooperatives are active. Women’s groups have expanded into vegetable production and food processing, while youth led cooperatives are exploring opportunities in poultry farming and fisheries. These activities are creating local jobs, diversifying incomes, and contributing to rural transformation.
A summary of key areas where cooperatives are supporting communities was outlined at the event:
| Area of Impact | Cooperative Contribution | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | Collective marketing of produce | Higher prices for farmers and stable supply for buyers |
| Finance | Savings and loan schemes | Access to small credit for farming and business |
| Food security | Shared storage and processing | Reduced post-harvest losses and better food supply |
| Youth and women | Skills and entrepreneurship training | New jobs and increased household incomes |
| Community resilience | Pooling resources for inputs | Stronger ability to withstand shocks |
While exact financial figures for the support provided were not disclosed, local analysts say cooperative projects typically operate at modest community level budgets. The combined impact, however, is much larger when communities scale up activities and engage in cross county trade.
International agencies involved in the commemoration event said cooperatives could form the backbone of South Sudan’s transition from reliance on imports to more self sufficient food production.