South Sudanese producers are advancing their farming practices
South Sudanese farmers working with ITC have participated in training sessions, received mentorship, and attended practical field demonstrations on more productive agricultural techniques.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has been implementing the South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development (SSJCTD) project since September 2020.
Under this project, ITC has supported over 3,000 producers, traders, and officers. The project provides skill enhancement trainings and advisory services in production, quality management, and cooperative governance.
Over 800 producers have benefitted from the provision of various agricultural inputs such as farm implements, water pumps, crates, sprayers, and seeds. Tillage services were provided to over 60 farmers whereby over 50 hectares of agricultural land was tilled.
Extension officers have been deployed across Central Equatoria State and Western Equatoria State in several project locations such as Gondokoro, Jebel Ladu, Juba Nabari, Kator, Lokiliri, Luri, Nzara, Rajaf, and Yambio so as to directly support farmers.
In December 2023, a total of 376 participants received training and coaching from ITC. The sessions were conducted on a range of agricultural practices, such as:
- Land preparation
- Nursery establishment and management
- Transplanting
- Sowing of seeds and seedlings
- Pest and disease control
- Irrigation and water management
- Crop rotation
- Crop nutrition
- Post-harvest handling of produce
In Lokiliri and Luri, 54 progressive farmers were mentored on sustainable production techniques, crop rotation and mixed cultivation practices, water management in the field, and nursery bed establishment. The farmers also learned how to implement various cultivation techniques in their gardens, and to select vegetables that will enhance the efficiency of their land. Sessions on water management also taught the farmers to prevent waterlogging and ensure adequate oxygen supply for their crops.
As a result of these sessions, farmers are now able to efficiently produce a variety of crops, including:
- Banana
- Cabbage
- Chilies
- Cucumber
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Jute
- Lemon
- Mango
- Okra
- Papaya
- Pepper
- Tomato
- Watermelon
The results of a December 2023 survey show that 49 progressive farmers from different project locations were able to sell over 17,000 kg of agricultural produce. This amounts to a total of 19,280,000 South Sudanese pounds (about $17,600).
About the Project
The International Trade Centre’s South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development project aims to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and employment opportunities for the South Sudanese population engaged in the fruit and vegetable subsector.
The European Union-funded project contributes to addressing the value addition, competitiveness, job creation and trade development challenges of South Sudan. Specifically, the interventions of the project are expected to improve productive capacities and compliance to standards for MSMEs, increase market linkages for MSMEs and enhance employability and entrepreneurship capacity for the South Sudanese labour force, focussing on youth and women.
About the Project
The International Trade Centre’s South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development project aims to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and employment opportunities for the South Sudanese population engaged in the fruit and vegetable subsector.
The European Union-funded project contributes to addressing the value addition, competitiveness, job creation and trade development challenges of South Sudan. Specifically, the interventions of the project are expected to improve productive capacities and compliance to standards for MSMEs, increase market linkages for MSMEs and enhance employability and entrepreneurship capacity for the South Sudanese labour force, focussing on youth and women.
