By Matik Kueth
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on the people of South Sudan to adopt agriculture as a national priority in the fight against food insecurity.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed SPLM officials in Juba on Thursday, President Kiir encouraged citizens, especially the youth, government officials, and local communities, to view farming not just as an occupation, but as a patriotic duty and a key step toward national self-reliance.
“This year, I am calling on every citizen, every youth, every official, every community, so that we embrace agriculture. Let this year [2025] be the year of agriculture. Let us grow our food. Let us fight hunger with our own hands. Let us rise together,” Kiir said.
Positioning agriculture as a cornerstone for national stability and growth, Kiir said South Sudan isn’t helpless in the face of economic hardship and repeated natural disasters, particularly the annual flooding that has devastated farmlands.
“To the youth, the future of this party and this country is in your hands. We are facing economic challenges, yes, but we are not helpless. We are strong people,” he stressed.
President Kiir’s quest for agricultural investment to tame food insecurity in the country has been his call, even though South Sudan continues to suffer economic issues and unrelenting flooding in most areas.
In September 2024, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Kiir pledged to enhance agricultural infrastructure investment and to assist local farmers in creating a more food-secure and self-sufficient South Sudan.
He underlined the significance of creating agricultural systems to guarantee sustainable food security and generate income for the country’s expanding population. On the other hand, earlier this year, Kiir vowed to prioritize agriculture to enhance the country’s food security in 2025.
The head of the state made this promise during his New Year’s message speech, urging the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to assist farmers across the country in increasing yields.
“In the year 2025, the government will prioritize agriculture to enhance our food security. I am therefore directing that the Ministry of Agriculture double its efforts to support farmers across the country to improve yields,” he stressed.
Early Signs of Progress in Agricultural Revitalization
Efforts to strengthen South Sudan’s agricultural sector are beginning to take shape. On April 3, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received 104 Massey Ferguson tractors, procured by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, to enhance farming productivity across the country.
Although the total expenditure was not disclosed, the cost of each tractor typically ranges between $11,612 and $19,899.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Abdel-Bagi Akol urged farmers to seize this opportunity and fully dedicate themselves this planting season. He expressed confidence that the arrival of the new equipment marks a turning point for food production and the broader economic recovery.
Ongoing Challenges Threaten Momentum
Despite the positive developments, South Sudan’s agricultural sector continues to face significant hurdles. Recurring floods, inadequate pest control, rising fuel prices, and unreliable market access remain major obstacles for farmers. Many have voiced concerns and called for stronger government support.
In response, the Economic Cluster in early April approved SSP 62 billion in funding to support farmers ahead of the rainy season. Further reinforcing the government’s commitment, Deputy Agriculture Minister Lily Albino Akol on April 10 instructed all state governors and chief administrators to allocate 250,000 hectares of land specifically for farming.