(Yambio) – A local farmer in Western Equatoria State has made headlines after successfully supplying fresh cassava leaves to MASIA Market in Yambio Town, using the opportunity to call for greater community support for local farming and food self sufficiency.
Mathew Buku, a father and active member of the Western Equatoria State Network for Civil Society Organizations, shared news of his harvest on Friday through his personal social media accounts. He announced his ability to deliver freshly harvested cassava leaves directly from his garden and invited anyone interested to reach out.
“It gives me great pleasure to supply MASIA Market with fresh cassava leaves today, directly from my garden. Anyone in need of more can contact me. I’m ready to supply as soon as possible,” Buku posted.
However, his message went beyond farming logistics. Buku urged communities across South Sudan to reduce reliance on imported food by investing in and supporting locally grown produce. He encouraged fellow residents to consider agriculture not just as a business but as a contribution to public health and national development.
“Come one, come all. Let’s support our health and our local economy,” he added.
His appeal reflects a broader grassroots movement in Western Equatoria, where a growing number of farmers are working to strengthen the local food system. The movement includes many women and young people who see agriculture as a means of improving lives and creating economic opportunities.
Among them is Bianca Peter, a young farmer well known for supplying sweet potatoes and groundnuts in Yambio. Last month, she called on authorities to address insecurity and poor infrastructure, which she said are the main barriers preventing farmers from supplying markets beyond their local areas.
“There is enough food across Yambio, but the problem is poor roads and insecurity,” she told local media. “Let our people depend on our own food, not what comes from outside.”
Bianca also called for farmer training, better tools, and financial assistance to help small-scale farmers increase production and reach more consumers.
The agricultural push comes after the reinstallation of the Azande Kingdom, more than a century after it was dissolved. His Majesty King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue has used his leadership role to encourage a return to farming, particularly among young people. His messages about the dignity of agriculture have received wide support across Western Equatoria and beyond.
Buku’s recent cassava supply is widely seen as a response to this royal encouragement. His efforts have been praised by community members online, where his social media post quickly gained attention.
“This is the spirit we want. Thank you, Mr. Buku. You’re doing something our people can be proud of,” wrote Grace Nasiwa, a businesswoman from the Hai Baiparu residential area in Yambio.
A regular customer at MASIA Market, Wenesa Peter, also praised Buku’s produce, saying: “The cassava leaves were fresh and clean. This is what we need. Let’s buy from our own.”
Other locals reshared his message with additional words of support, encouraging more farmers to step forward and follow Buku’s example.