The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), signed a $17 million grant to support rural farmers across South Sudan.
Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), the initiative aims to strengthen food security, enhance incomes, and build resilience for rural households nationwide.
The project, called the Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development (READ), will focus on improving food security among rural households, increasing income levels, and supporting communities to better withstand economic and environmental challenges.
National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Josephine Lagu, emphasized the importance of the project for reducing South Sudan’s reliance on imported food.
She encouraged all implementing agencies to dedicate their efforts to ensure successful outcomes, pledging her active supervision of the project’s progress at the grassroots level.
UNDP Country Representative Dr. Mohamed Abchir confirmed that the funds will address the challenges rural communities face. “This grant will support local communities to overcome food security challenges and create sustainable livelihoods,” Dr. Abchir stated, affirming UNDP’s ongoing commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture in these efforts.
The READ project is expected to reach around 162,315 households across seven key agricultural value chains. UNDP aims to build resilient rural enterprises and strengthen food systems to uplift communities across South Sudan.
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