- $46.2 Million Grant: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $46.2 million grant to boost agricultural productivity and improve food security in South Sudan, enhancing resilience to climate change.
- Key Focus Areas: The program, from September 2024 to December 2030, will increase cereal and fish production, strengthen value chains, promote digital agricultural solutions, and develop skills to create jobs, especially for women and youth.
- Implementation and Impact: Implemented across nine counties by FAO and South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the project aims to transform agriculture, create 179,200 direct jobs, and address severe food insecurity in the country.
Major Boost: South Sudan Secures $46 Million Grant to Enhance Agriculture and Food Security
JUBA, South Sudan – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a substantial $46.2 million grant aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving food security in South Sudan. This initiative is also expected to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change.
The first phase of this climate-resilient agri-food system transformation program will be rolled out from September 2024 to December 2030.
Themba Bhebhe, AfDB’s Country Manager for South Sudan, highlighted that the program’s activities will significantly increase agricultural output, producing an additional 350,000 tonnes of cereals (rice and sorghum) and 2,450 tonnes of fish.
“They will strengthen agricultural value chains and entrepreneurship, creating at least 200 more agri-food businesses that are more profitable for women and young people,” said Bhebhe.
Focus on Women and Youth
The program emphasizes developing digitalization and professional skills, projected to create 179,200 direct jobs, with a significant portion (50%) allocated to women and 60% to young people.
South Sudan, noted as the third most fragile country in the world and the fifth most vulnerable to climate change, relies heavily on agriculture, which employs around 70.5% of the workforce. Despite 95% of the land being suitable for agriculture, only 4.5% is currently utilized.
Key Components
The project will focus on four main areas:
- Deployment of Climate-Smart Technologies: Implementing large-scale climate-smart technologies and production systems.
- Strengthening Value Chains: Enhancing priority value chains, particularly those led by women and young entrepreneurs.
- Digital Agricultural Solutions: Promoting digital agricultural and climate advisory solutions.
- Skill Development: Developing professional, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to generate more jobs for women and young people.
Regional Implementation
Spanning nine counties and 32 payams (subcommittees or districts) across Bahr el Ghazal in the north, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Jonglei, the program will be implemented through a hybrid arrangement by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reports The Star.
Untapped Potential
Despite facing severe food insecurity—with over 7.1 million people struggling to access sufficient and nutritious food—South Sudan’s numerous rivers and lakes offer abundant fish resources and untapped irrigation potential.
This grant from the AfDB represents a significant step towards transforming South Sudan’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, and improving food security, particularly for women and young people.