(MAGWI COUNTY) – The Consortium of Rural Women for Agricultural Development Organization, known as CORWADO, has officially launched a three year development project aimed at strengthening agricultural enterprises and rural livelihoods in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The project, titled Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development, or READ, is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the United Nations Development Programme. Implementation is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2028.
According to project details shared during the launch, READ is expected to directly benefit 6,695 people across Magwi County, while more than 20,000 others are projected to benefit indirectly. The programme will cover the payams of Magwi, Pageri, Moli, Pogee, Pajok, Obbo and Obbo, focusing on strengthening local production and enterprise capacity.
The project has been designed with a strong inclusion focus. CORWADO said that women will make up 50 percent of the targeted beneficiaries, while 70 percent will be young people aged between 18 and 35. Vulnerable groups, mainly returnees, are expected to account for 10 percent, and 50 percent of beneficiaries will include persons living with disabilities.
READ will place particular emphasis on improving governance, leadership, and management systems within community based producer organizations. The aim is to enhance accountability, improve coordination, and support sustainable agricultural development that can attract markets and investment over time.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Friday, CORWADO Area Manager Moses Okwera Daniel said the initiative is a development focused programme rather than an emergency response. He noted that the project is intended to build lasting systems that support productivity, income generation, and resilience within rural communities.
Mr Okwera also thanked national and local authorities for their continued cooperation, saying government support has been critical in enabling the project to move from planning to implementation.
Magwi County Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, Mannix Augustine Oloya, welcomed the project and called for proper and transparent implementation. He said effective delivery would help ensure that farmers and producer groups gain real value from the investment.
Mr Oloya assured CORWADO of the county administration’s full support and said local authorities are committed to working with partners to achieve meaningful and measurable results for communities.
The County Coordinator for Relief and Rehabilitation, Salfa Ben Okeny, also urged CORWADO to work closely with government stakeholders at all levels. He said coordination and teamwork are essential to protect local communities and ensure that development activities are carried out responsibly.
The READ project is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods, stronger local institutions, and higher agricultural productivity in Magwi County.
