Promoting rural development and agricultural production

Context

In South Sudan, around two thirds of the population are affected by food insecurity. Most people depend on agriculture and livestock farming for their livelihoods. However, due to violent conflicts and the effects of climate change, only a small amount of land is used for agriculture. In addition, refugee movements are reducing social cohesion. There is often a lack of training and further education on climate-adapted agricultural production.

Local administrations are frequently unable to cope with the challenges in terms of personnel, organisation and institutions.

Objective

Rural communities contribute independently to expanding and diversifying climate-adapted agriculture that contributes to food security. To do this, they use participatory development planning and take disaster risks into account.

Approach

The project promotes the development and expansion of high-yield, agroecological and climate-adapted agriculture in order to improve living conditions and prospects. It operates in three fields of action:

1. Participatory community development planning

The project advises regional administrations and civil society actors on planning and implementing measures that are conflict and gender sensitive, risk-informed and participatory. This enables the communities to strengthen their social cohesion and climate resilience. The project also processes lessons learned on policy advice for future use.

2. Expanding expertise in agriculture

The project improves access to means of production, markets and services for smallholder farmers and other agricultural organisations. It particularly supports women and young adults in rural areas.

3. Managing natural resources and taking disaster risks into account

The project strengthens communities’ ability to identify and map disaster risks, including climate risks such as drought. It then draws up action plans for prevention and mitigation measures.

Last update: December 2023