Promoting food sovereignty in South Sudan

Project Number: 179.1021

In large areas of South Sudan, armed conflicts have been taking place since the end of 2013 and have not completely ceased even after the peace agreement of 2018. One region, however, is so remote that it is only indirectly affected: Pochalla County. There, Mission 21 is supporting an integrated agricultural project: through improved agricultural methods, the partner organization PRDA (Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency) is increasing know-how and thus crop yields. As a result, local farmers can feed their families more diversely and do not have to buy expensive imported food. In addition to agricultural support, PRDA facilitates access to water and sanitation.

Background information

The violent clashes that have plagued South Sudan since the end of 2013 are exacerbating the security and supply situation for the population. How can people, especially in rural areas, secure their livelihoods and ensure basic medical care? As a partner organization of Mission 21, the Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency (PRDA) is working closely with the affected communities on these questions in order to jointly develop sustainable solutions. In Pochalla, near the Ethiopian border, PRDA, with the support of Mission 21, is working closely with local communities on a large-scale integrated rural development project. The aim is to sustainably improve health and nutritional conditions. The practical experience and knowledge of the families are incorporated into the design of the project so that measures can be developed together to enable them to generate an improved household income.

Project goals

The project aims to improve the living standards of the population in the Pochalla district.

Improved food security
One hot meal a day in Pochalla's schools
Storage options for agricultural surpluses
Knowledge transfer in the fields of hygiene, agriculture and nutrition
Improved health of residents

Target group

The project supports around 1,000 households in Pochalla in their livelihoods and food security. In addition to individuals, the target group includes farming groups and farming families. Particular emphasis is placed on the needs of women and children, especially schoolchildren.

Activities

Training of local staff
Training of contact farmers. These are trained in improved agricultural methods and participatory approaches and pass on their knowledge.
Strengthening peer-to-peer exchange
Organic farming
Issuance of seeds, equipment and tools
Distribution of menstrual pads at school to menstruating pupils
School nutrition program
Creation of storage facilities to preserve surplus harvests

Project progress

After the project was launched in 2014, there was a setback in 2016 when the base was looted during a local conflict and many farmers had to flee. A large part was rebuilt at the beginning of 2017. In 2021, a storage room was built in which seeds and crops can be stored professionally. There is a kitchen right next door and the school nutrition program started in 2022. Extensive knowledge in agricultural cultivation methods has already been imparted; 20 additional female farmers were also trained in 2023. The farmers began producing their own organic fertilizer and obtaining 50% of their seeds themselves.

Climate change is very noticeable in this region. In September and October 2024, floods once again led to losses in which three people died. Despite these challenges, 35 farmers were trained in practical agroecology. Two poultry shelters were built, 12 chickens were purchased and the school feeding program now reaches 427 children. In addition, the construction of a fish farm has begun and chicken farming has started. In recent years, Pochalla has been repeatedly affected by conflicts and the effects of climate change - challenges that continue to be met through sustainable and ecological measures

Donations