South Sudan farmer turns to agribusiness for food security, income

JUBA – A South Sudanese smallholder farmer, driven by hunger and a passion for entrepreneurship, has begun cultivating staple crops to feed his family and sell the surplus at a local market.

Jacob Magai Alier, a former cattle herder, developed his farming and home gardening skills after joining a cooperative group supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

“I started this work because of hunger. If you are hungry, you will definitely think about other ways to feed your family,” Magai said in a recent interview in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Magai’s farm is located in a Juba suburb near a small seasonal stream. He wakes early each day to remove sand from the stream to collect water for crop irrigation.

“I would just need the support of a water pumping system to be able to get water for planting. The weather is now extremely hot for these crops to cope with heatwaves,” Magai said.

The father of seven sells fresh organic tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, and eggplant to local markets, improving his family’s financial situation and nutrition.

“My children are in school and I am able to handle their basic healthcare requirements when they are ill, thanks to the farm produce,” Magai said.

With commodity prices soaring in South Sudan, Magai sells over five boxes of red tomatoes to the community. He regularly earns about $400.

Magai employs over 15 people on his small farm, paying each $25 per day.

Ajak Lueth, a beneficiary of Magai’s farm, said its proximity and affordable prices make it a valuable food source for the local community.

“We have the nearest market which is a kilometer away and sells tomatoes but they are very expensive. Here, I am able to save money, time and support my brother’s business,” Lueth said.

Another local resident said she buys fresh fruits from Magai’s farm every morning, improving her health at an affordable price.

Kuany Alier, a 40-year-old employee on Magai’s farm, earns enough income to support her family.

“I do clean the tomatoes and green peppers every day compared to when I would stay home and stare at nothing. This job has changed my life. I can now cater for my children’s needs comfortably,” Alier said.

The FAO warns South Sudan could face declining production of key staples due to inter-communal violence displacing farmers and recurring droughts and floods.