The National Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has launched the Resilient Livestock Sector Project in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State. The five-year initiative aims to modernise livestock management, improve community health, and strengthen the economic resilience of communities in the region. The project, themed “Healthy Livestock, Healthy People, Sustainable Development,” seeks to transform livestock wealth into sustainable economic benefits for communities.
The project was launched by the National Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, who outlined several key objectives, including reducing the prevalence and incidence of animal and zoonotic diseases by 2030. The minister also highlighted plans to increase livestock production and productivity while promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among pastoralist communities. This initiative is expected to bring together national and state authorities, the Terekeka County administration, development partners, and local communities.
Terekeka County Commissioner, Hon. Dr Emmanuel Loku Lodu, expressed gratitude to the national government for prioritising the county through the project. He called on local communities to move away from traditional cattle keeping and adopt a more commercial approach to livestock production that can generate sustainable economic benefits. The commissioner emphasised the need for communities to benefit from the initiative through increased awareness and training.
Dr. Lodu pointed to critical infrastructure gaps affecting the livestock sector, particularly the lack of water reservoirs and proper water catchment systems, which are urgently needed to support livestock production. He expressed concern over Terekeka’s slow progress since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, citing the county's reliance on traditional cattle keeping without modernisation.
The commissioner described the project as an opportunity to change the situation and called for increased community awareness and training to ensure local people benefit from the initiative. He stated that the project must be the turning point for Terekeka County, transforming livestock into lasting benefits for marriage, food security, and steady income.
The launch of the Resilient Livestock Sector Project brings together stakeholders from national and state authorities, the Terekeka County administration, development partners, and local communities. Efforts continue to strengthen the livestock sector and improve livelihoods in the county, with a focus on sustainable economic benefits and community health.
The project's implementation will be closely monitored, with the national government and FAO working together to ensure its success. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of communities in Terekeka County, improving their economic resilience and overall well-being.
Key points
- The project aims to reduce the prevalence and incidence of animal and zoonotic diseases by 2030.
- The initiative seeks to transform livestock wealth into sustainable economic benefits for communities.
- The project will promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among pastoralist communities.
