LocationsUNDP, IFAD and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Launch a USD 16.8 Million Grant to Support Rural Agricultural Development in South Sudan
December 18, 2024
Hon. Josephine Lagu Yanga and Dr. Mohamed Abchir during launch of the Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development (READ) project.
Juba, South Sudan – 17 December 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has launched a USD 16.8 million grant Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development (READ) program.
This program is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). Other Partners that will be implementing the project together with UNDP are Cooperative Bank of South Sudan and International Labour Organization (ILO).
The READ program is focused on food security enhancement, income generation, and building the capacity of rural households across South Sudan. By focusing on Rural Producers' Organizations (RPOs), Agricultural Producer Groups (APGs), Cooperatives, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), the program will facilitate the transformation of such these organizations into sustainable and resilient players in the agricultural value chain.
The key outcomes of the READ program focus on empowering rural enterprises to drive sustainable agricultural development. The program will strengthen the capacities of rural enterprises and their members to increase agricultural production and productivity, ensuring a more robust food supply. It will also enhance access to both local and international markets and financial services, enabling rural enterprises to expand and thrive economically. Additionally, the initiative aims to fortify policy and institutional frameworks that support sustainable rural enterprise development. Finally, the program will promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience by encouraging practices that help rural enterprises withstand economic and environmental shocks, ensuring long-term growth and stability.
The READ project will last a total of six-years and intends to reach a total of approximately 27,511rural households or 162,315 household members through 780 (456) RPOs and (324) RFIs. A total of six counties in six states have been selected for implementation under phase I - for regional balance. These include Aweil Centre, Magwi, Maridi, Nzara, Yambio and Renk. The flexible programming has been adopted whereby selection of additional states is contingent upon a second phase. The READ development objective will be achieved though implementation of three interlinked and complementary components: (i) Rural Producers' Organisations Development; (ii) Inclusive Rural Financial Services;(iii) Policy and Regulatory Framework Development.
UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to building resilient rural enterprises, strengthening food systems, and empowering local communities for long-term economic stability. The READ program is a critical step toward realizing this vision and ensuring that the rural agricultural sector can drive sustainable growth and development in South Sudan.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders, and the Government of South Sudan for their commitment to this vision. Let us continue working hand in hand to ensure that every South Sudanese has the opportunity to thrive. As we launch this program today, let us remember that agriculture is not just about food-it encompasses livelihoods, gender equality, resilience, nutrition, literacy, climate change, that will drive growth and recovery.”said Dr. Mohamed Abchir, Resident Representative for UNDP South Sudan.
“The READ Project comes as a timely intervention and represents our bold and ambitious vision to empower rural farmers and transform their lives. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is fully committed to creating an enabling environment that ensures all partners, including UNDP, IFAD and the Cooperative Bank, receive the support they need for smooth and effective execution of this project.” said Hon. Josephine Lagu Yanga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
“Through the combined efforts of all involved, READ is set to directly improve the livelihoods of 27,511 households, or approximately 162,315 individuals. At IFAD, we believe in the transformative power of rural communities and their organizations. The launch of READ reaffirms our commitment to South Sudan, to building resilient livelihoods, and to ensuring no one is left behind.” Dr. Caroline Mwongera, IFAD Country Director
Hon. Josephine Lagu Yanga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security during the signing ceremony
About UNDP:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.
About IFAD:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is an international organization whose objective of to improve agricultural development and livelihoods in developing countries. Its projects and programmes are carried out in remote and environmentally fragile locations, including least developed countries and small island developing States. The IFAD assists vulnerable groups such as smallholder farmers, pastoralists, foresters, fishers and small-scale entrepreneurs in rural areas by providing, among others, access to weather information, disaster preparedness, social learning and technology transfer that enables farmers to feed growing populations and increase the climate resilience of rural farming system
About GAFSP:
The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) is a multilateral financing platform dedicated to improving food and nutrition security worldwide. Launched by the G20 in the wake of the global response to the 2007–08 food price crisis, GAFSP works to build resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems in the world’s poorest countries. Since 2010, GAFSP has pooled over $2 billion in donor funds and provided financial and technical resources – grants, technical assistance, concessional loans, blended finance, and advisory services – to demand-driven projects along the food chain, from ‘farm to table’. Governments, farmers’ and producer organizations, and the private sector are in the lead: designing and implementing these projects in partnership with a development agency of their choice.
For Project and media inquiries, please contact:
Sheila Ngatia
Deputy Resident Representative – Programmes, UNDP South Sudan.
Email: Sheila.ngatia@undp.org
Phone: + +211 926 917 131
Maureen Anduro Omwanda
Communications Analyst, UNDP South Sudan
Email: Maureen.omwanda@undp.org
Phone: +211920149980
