Sustainable agriculture for a healthy diet

Despite the comprehensive peace agreement in 2005, and the independence of South Sudan on July 9 2011, the population of Africa’s youngest state continue to live in the midst of violence. The federal state of Western Equatoria was initially spared from the worst of the conflict that broke out again in December 2013 – focused initially on the north and northeast of the country. However, the large numbers of people displaced by the conflict placed the resources of other parts of the nation under severe stress – even triggering violence between locals, who are mostly agriculturalists, and groups of internally displaced people, who move with their herds and can damage and destroy crops and fields. The general economic situation has been severely affected by the conflict – burdening the population with extreme price rises. Poor security or damage during the rainy season renders many supply routes impassable.

Our goal is to sustainably promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and boost the socio-economic capacity of the population in Maridi County, with a focus on especially vulnerable groups. Our intention is not just to increase agricultural production, but to take a holistic approach centered on food quality in order to allow the population to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet. This is to be done by:

• Improving the income sources and food available to especially vulnerable households
• Improving the supply of seeds, processing, storage and marketing of local products through the development of agricultural cooperatives
• Revival of veterinary medical care
• Supporting school gardens, and providing schools with educational materials
• Strengthening our partner organizations by developing and strengthening management capacities

• Delivery of agricultural tools and seeds to diversify food production and increase yield
• Development of specially adapted educational materials, and provision of training for members of target households
• Support for local agricultural authorities by offering veterinary services
• Raising popular awareness of livestock diseases through radio
• Mobilization and foundation of agricultural associations such as cooperatives and producer groups
• Construction, work-up and optimization of small silos and storage spaces for harvested produce
• Equipment of schools with agricultural tools and seeds for school gardens
• Training pupils in topics to do with agriculture and nutrition, such as healthy eating, WASH, food hygiene etc.