(TORIT COUNTY) – The Acting Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Hon. William Angelo Geri, has urged development partners to prioritise investment in the agricultural sector, with the aim of raising its contribution to at least 10 percent of the state’s economy in line with the Maputo Protocol.
Hon. Geri, who also serves as the state minister for Animal Resources, Livestock and Fisheries, delivered the call during the launch of the Community Driven Rural Development Project in Torit. He emphasised that the fertile areas of Torit and Magwi counties should be at the centre of new efforts to boost agricultural production.
“Torit and Magwi are our green belts, ideal for agriculture,” he said. “Agriculture is not only about planting seeds. It requires investment in roads, storage facilities, marketing, and other systems. As a government, we encourage communities to allocate part of their budgets to agriculture, and we appeal to our partners to raise their support to 10 percent. At the moment, agriculture stands at only 2 percent of our state economy.”
The remarks highlighted ongoing concerns that South Sudan has placed too much reliance on oil revenues, while overlooking the potential of agriculture to stabilise the economy and provide livelihoods.
Speaking at the same event, Mrs. Anna Itwari, Director at the State Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the new project is designed to strengthen food production and food security across Eastern Equatoria.
“This project will significantly increase food production,” she said. “Our priority is to train farmers and ensure ministry policies are aligned with community needs.”
Torit County Commissioner, Hon. Christopher Andrew, also linked South Sudan’s economic difficulties to the neglect of farming.
“Torit County can become South Sudan’s breadbasket,” he said. “Our economy suffers because we rely solely on oil. Agriculture sustained old Sudan, and it can do the same for South Sudan.”
The Community Driven Rural Development Project has been funded by the German development agency GIZ, the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), and the European Union. The total funding package is worth 48 million Euros, which is equivalent to about SSP 235.2 billion or 10.4 million US dollars at the current official exchange rate of $1 = SSP 4,600 (September 2025).
According to project documents, the initiative will focus on four key areas: improving food and nutritional security, promoting income generation, managing natural resources, and building climate resilience.
EU and Partners Fund 48 Million Euro Agriculture Project in Torit and Magwi
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Community Driven Rural Development Project |
| Location | Eastern Equatoria State (Torit and Magwi) |
| Funding Agencies | GIZ, SNV, European Union |
| Funding Amount | €48 million = SSP 235.2 billion = USD 10.4m |
| Project Goals | Food security, income, natural resources, climate resilience |
| Launch Event | Torit, September 2025 |
The renewed push for investment in agriculture comes at a time when food insecurity remains widespread in South Sudan. State offcials say that if fertile counties such as Torit and Magwi are given stronger infrastructure and consistent support, the state could play a critical role in feeding the wider country and reducing dependence on imported food.
The government of Eastern Equatoria and its partners now hope that the Community Driven Rural Development Project will serve as a turning point, shifting attention from oil dependence to more sustainable economic opportunities in agriculture.