By Guya Scopas Bethuel
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has signed an output agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to implement the South Sudan Livelihoods and Resilience Project (SSLP), a $25.7 million initiative funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The project is expected to directly benefit more than 93,700 households across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states, with a focus on strengthening food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.
Targeting Vulnerable Communities
Led by MAFS, the SSLP will prioritize vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and persons with disabilities. Women and youth are expected to make up the majority of beneficiaries 60% and 70% respectively.
According to MAFS, the project aims to tackle chronic poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion by empowering communities to make decisions that directly affect their development.
UNOPS to Support Implementation
While the ministry leads the initiative, UNOPS has been engaged as a third-party implementation partner. Its support will focus on two components:
-
Community-Driven Development Planning – Strengthening local organizations and enabling inclusive, participatory planning.
-
Community Agriculture Investment Fund (CAIF) – Boosting agricultural production, improving rural infrastructure, and building resilience against climate shocks.
Building Infrastructure and Market Access
Planned activities include mobilizing communities, rehabilitating feeder roads, constructing climate-smart infrastructure, providing in-kind agricultural grants, and delivering training and technical support. These interventions are designed to increase productivity, expand market access, and enhance incomes for smallholder farmers.
“Community infrastructure development is both lacking and essential across South Sudan,” said Hon. Abdelbagi Akol Agany, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. “This project will help connect agricultural areas to markets and support climate-smart farming practices, bringing long-term benefits to rural communities.”
Hakim Luka Yatta, Project Manager at MAFS, highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting it reflects the ministry’s commitment to “inclusive governance for resilient rural livelihoods” and to reviving agriculture as a driver of stability.
From the UNOPS side, Mrs. Petronella Halwiindi Kasaka, Country Manager, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to work closely with the ministry. “We will deliver this project in line with the agreement, ensuring tangible impact on rural communities,” she said.
Toward Resilient Communities
The SSLP is positioned as a cornerstone of South Sudan’s broader efforts to strengthen rural development and climate adaptation. With IFAD’s financial support and UNOPS technical expertise, MAFS hopes the project will lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods.