South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Mabor Yiel
The government’s plan to introduce agricultural schemes in areas inhabited by pastoralist societies in South Sudan is a positive step towards diversifying the country’s economy. Agriculture has the potential to create new job opportunities, increase food production, and improve the living standards of people living in rural areas. However, it is important to recognize that the lives of pastoralist societies are heavily dependent on their cattle, and any unintended consequences of agricultural development could hurt their livelihoods.
The traditional way of life for pastoralist societies in South Sudan involves cattle rearing and nomadic migration. They rely on their cattle for food, milk, and as a source of wealth. In some cases, pastoralist societies also engage in trade using their cattle. Apart from prestige and social recognition, cattle are used to pay dowries. This is the essence of their intention of keeping cows. Therefore, any changes in the availability of grazing land or the health of their cattle can have severe consequences for their livelihoods.
The government and concerned institutions must take necessary policies to ensure that agricultural development does not come at the cost of the pastoralist societies. One possible solution could be to promote sustainable agriculture practices that do not require the displacement of pastoralist communities. This could include introducing farming techniques that are compatible with cattle rearing and do not interfere with the availability of grazing land.
Furthermore, the government should explore alternative sources of income for pastoralist societies, such as the promotion of eco-tourism in areas where they reside. This could help to diversify their income streams and reduce their dependence on cattle alone.
Another way to address this issue is to involve pastoralist communities in the decision-making process. They should be included in the planning and implementation of any agricultural development schemes to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account. This will not only help to safeguard the livelihoods of pastoralist societies but also contribute to the success of the agricultural development initiatives.
In conclusion, while the government’s efforts to promote agricultural development in South Sudan are commendable, it is important to ensure that the interests of pastoralist societies are not overlooked in the process. By adopting a holistic and inclusive approach, the government can strike a balance between advancing the country’s economy and safeguarding the livelihoods of its pastoralist communities. This will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
The Author is an economist, humanitarian, and a student of Law at the University of Juba. He can be reached at maboryiel2015@gmail.com.
