U.N. FAO pushes for investment in South Sudan’s agriculture

JUBA – The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is calling for increased investment in South Sudan’s agriculture sector to bolster food security and build resilience against climate shocks.

Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General, visited South Sudan this week and highlighted the urgent need to prepare for potential floods expected this rainy season.

“We need to strategize ahead of the floods and set in place early warning systems and anticipatory actions,” Bechdol said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“We need to bridge emergencies and resilience. And we can achieve this by transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” she added.

Floods and other extreme weather events, along with ongoing insecurity, have negatively impacted South Sudan’s food system.

Bechdol emphasized that building resilience is crucial, particularly as 90% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.

“It’s time to invest in agriculture – especially when the most food insecure are farmers themselves. There is so much potential in the agricultural sector of South Sudan, and prioritizing agriculture can make a difference,” she said.

Bechdol’s visit aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by South Sudan’s agricultural sector, but also the opportunities for improvement.

She said FAO is committed to supporting the government and local partners in providing essential resources for farmers and livestock, promoting food security for women and children, and developing the livestock value chain.

“FAO is ready to support the people of South Sudan. Alongside partners and the government, FAO is providing the needed water for people and livestock, sources of nutrition for women and children and support to develop the livestock value chain to enable farmers to make a living and support their families,” she added.