South Sudan's Agriculture Ministry Hands Over Facilities in Renk and Melut

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has handed over eight agricultural facilities in Renk and Melut counties in South Sudan. The handover ceremonies took place in Renk and Melut early this week. The facilities aim to strengthen farmers' organisations and improve agricultural production, productivity, and climate resilience. The development is part of the ministry's efforts to boost local agricultural livelihoods.

In Renk, the facilities handed over included the Multipurpose Community Farmer Centre, Central Tree Nursery, Seeds Store, Fisheries Shade, and Pesticides Storage Facility. These facilities support training, seed handling, tree growing, fisheries activities, and input management. The Multipurpose Community Farmer Centre will provide space for farmer training, extension services, and community coordination. The seed stores and nurseries will improve seed handling, storage, and tree growing, contributing to climate resilience.

In Melut, the ministry handed over the Multipurpose Community Farmer Centre, Central Tree Nursery, and Seeds Store. These facilities will support similar local activities, such as farmer training, extension services, and community coordination. The facilities will help improve local agricultural livelihoods through these functions. The handover is expected to benefit women, youth, and other producers in the area.

Morris Adhuol, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security, called on communities to take ownership of the facilities. He urged farmer groups, cooperatives, and fishing communities to manage them transparently, maintain them, and ensure that women, young people, and other producers can benefit. Adhuol emphasised that the facilities are a foundation for stronger and more resilient agricultural production.

The ministry's statement released said that community groups and facility management committees will maintain the infrastructure and set clear rules for its use. This will enable women, youth, and other producers to benefit from the facilities. The handover is part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen local agricultural livelihoods and improve benefits over time.

The facilities will provide space for farmer training, extension services, and community coordination, helping to improve local agricultural livelihoods. The seed stores can improve seed handling and storage, while the nurseries can support tree growing and climate resilience. The fisheries shade and pesticide storage facility in Renk add infrastructure for fisheries activities and agricultural input management.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security's move is expected to have a positive impact on agricultural production in Renk and Melut counties. The facilities will help build lasting livelihoods when combined with good agricultural practices and extension advice. The ministry's efforts aim to improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and local agricultural livelihoods in South Sudan.

Key points

• Ministry hands over eight agricultural facilities in Renk and Melut counties.