By Baraka John
Farmer groups in Yambio and Nzara counties have received a significant boost to their farming activities with the distribution of 12 tricycles (rickshaws) to aid in transporting farm produce to the market. This initiative is part of World Vision International’s Feed 2 Project and aims to enhance farmers’ ability to reach markets more efficiently.
The tricycles were distributed on Thursday at the Yambio County Agriculture Department, with six farming groups in each of the two counties benefiting from the support. The beneficiaries from Yambio County include Naguru Producers Group, Kenepai, Mangapai, Nyakangba, Nanzeme 2, and Anisono, while the Nzara County groups are Al-Wehida, Nzara Church Group, Kondo na Tomato, Titiko, Marasendeyo, and Anizungu.
During the distribution event, Harriet Akech, the Feed 2 Project Manager for World Vision International in Western Equatoria State, explained that the organization had identified a significant challenge faced by local farmers: a lack of transportation for getting their goods to market. In response, the organization procured the 12 tricycles to facilitate transport and improve access to local and regional markets.
“We as World Vision under feed project we decided to procure tricycles to support the farmers to link them to the farms, to link them to the market. We procured 12 tricycles; today, we have been distributing them. We work in collaboration with the county agriculture department in Yambio and the ministry of agriculture to hand over these 12 tricycles to the 12 producer groups.” Akech stated.
She emphasized that the distribution was made possible through a collaborative effort with the Yambio County Agricultural Department and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The tricycles are expected to significantly ease the logistical burdens of transporting agricultural produce, which can often be a barrier to market access. By improving farmers’ ability to move goods efficiently, the initiative is anticipated to foster growth in food production and economic development across the region.
Farmer producer group members listen to address before receiving their tricycles Photo Credit Baraka John
Anna Samuel, a member of the Nzara Church Producers Group and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to World Vision for the ongoing support. “It is our pleasure to receive this means of transport. World Vision has helped us a lot through capacity building and other forms of support, which we cannot fully describe. We are thankful and pray that God continues to guide their programs,” Anna said.
William Zeburuna Mandesi, the County Director for Agriculture in Yambio, also spoke at the event, urging the beneficiaries to make the most of the new resources. “I urge all beneficiaries to use the tricycles wisely and ensure their sustainability. This will be key to the long-term growth and success of their farming activities,” Mandesi stated.
Zeburuna described the distribution of the tricycles as a key step in improving the livelihoods of farmers in Yambio and Nzara counties, facilitating their access to markets, and enhancing the economic prospects of their communities.