Conflict and climate-driven shocks in South Sudan have significantly damaged agricultural production, which is South Sudan’s primary economic sector and source of livelihoods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, up to 95 percent of South Sudanese rely on farming, herding, or fishing. Any disruption to this sector causes ripple effects, and has the potential to harm South Sudan’s overall economy. Dramatic increases in food prices resulting from soaring inflation, disrupted markets and trade, and low food production due to conflict or natural disasters have worsened food insecurity. 

USAID's Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Resiliency and Resilience through Agriculture in South Sudan activities are building resilience at the household and community levels to help South Sudanese communities that are affected by economic, conflict, or environment-related shocks. These activities restore and diversify livelihoods, strengthen community and intercommunal resource-sharing and management practices, and protect and strengthen agricultural productivity of vulnerable households and communities. These interventions will focus on the 13 target counties of USAID’s assistance strategy in the five states of Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Unity State, and Upper Nile.

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Bethlehem Youth Farmers Group started a demonstration farm near Yambio, South Sudan
Bethlehem Youth Farmers Group started a demonstration farm near Yambio, South Sudan
Victor Lugala/USAID