(JUBA COUNTY) – Oxfam, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a two year agricultural initiative in Central Equatoria State valued at 1.18 million US dollars, equivalent to about 5.43 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the current official exchange rate. The project is designed to empower women and youth in Luri and Rajaf Payams by supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security.
The initiative is funded by the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund and is implemented in collaboration with South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. It aims to provide economic opportunities to marginalised communities through agricultural transformation.
The project will directly support 200 households, benefiting around 1,200 people, with at least 60 per cent of beneficiaries expected to be women, including those living with disabilities. The main focus is on improving vegetable production, enhancing community resilience and building pathways towards dignity and economic independence.
Speaking at the launch, Oxfam Country Director Ms Shabnam Baloch emphasised that women and youth are central to the initiative. “In Luri and Rajaf Payams, women and youth are at the heart of this initiative. By improving vegetable production, we are not only increasing food security but also opening doors to dignity, opportunity and resilience,” she said.
Ms Baloch encouraged participants to view the initiative as a stepping stone towards larger transformation across South Sudan.
“This is more than a milestone. It is a demonstration of what is possible when we work together with a shared vision,” she added.
Oxfam also reaffirmed its commitment to work with communities and local partners to ensure the success and sustainability of the project beyond the two year funding period.
UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan, Dr Mohamed Abchir, commended the partnership and stressed the need to invest in smallholder farmers.
“South Sudan remains one of the most food insecure countries in the world. Yet, the land is fertile and holds immense potential for agricultural transformation,” he said.
The Minister of Agriculture in Central Equatoria State, Hon. Lilly Kafuki Paul, expressed appreciation to IBSA and partners for selecting the state as a beneficiary.
“For this project to focus on women and youth means peace, stability, nutrition, environmental balance and a better future,” she said. “It aligns perfectly with the state’s vision for empowering its people.”
Ambassador Mahlodi Mufhe of South Africa to South Sudan praised the project as an example of African solidarity. He described it as a practical step in addressing challenges faced by South Sudanese communities.
“The suffering of the people of South Sudan is my suffering,” he said. “This project is a practical example of African solutions to African problems. Through it, we aim to contribute to the silencing of guns, encouraging youth to choose seeds over bullets.”
Agriculture Project Targets 1,200 People in Luri and Rajaf
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Value | $1.18 million = SSP 5.43 billion |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Location | Luri and Rajaf Payams, Central Equatoria State |
| Direct Beneficiaries | 200 households (1,200 individuals) |
| Women Beneficiaries | At least 60% (including people with disabilities) |
| Main Focus | Vegetable production, food security, resilience |
| Funded By | India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund |
| Key Implementers | Oxfam, UNDP, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare |
| Notable Stakeholders | Oxfam Country Director, UNDP Resident Representative, Central Equatoria Minister of Agriculture, South Africa Ambassador |
| Wider Goal | Empower women and youth, promote peace and stability |
