The Economic Sustainability of Pastoralist Communities in South Sudan.

The economic viability of pastoralist communities in South Sudan is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and viable solutions. These communities have a distinct way of life that centres around their livestock as they inhabit arid or semi-arid regions where crop farming is not feasible due to the lack of rainfall. However, the year 2023 proved to be an exception with continuous rainfall up to date. The subsistence of these communities is heavily reliant on their animals for sustenance, clothing, and income. Thus, the loss of livestock can have dire consequences for any family in these communities. Recent years have brought various challenges that threaten the economic sustainability of these communities.

The most significant challenge is drought, which is a common occurrence in South Sudan, where little or no rainfall leads to the drying up of grass that these livestock rely on, leading to the death of animals. This directly impacts the economic sustainability of pastoralist communities in the Bahr El Ghazal region, particularly Warrap and Aweil. There have been indicators of cattle deaths due to droughts in those communities in the past.

Another significant challenge faced by pastoralist communities is conflicts. The prolonged civil war in South Sudan has led to increased violence and instability, with pastoralist communities being caught in the crossfire. The communal conflicts in Lakes State were primarily cattle-related. The appointment of Hon. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor Deng as the governor by H.E., Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, led to relative peace and harmony, allowing pastoralists to move without fear of attack or being raided by other communities. However, this impedes the economic viability of these communities in Lakes State. Before Hon. Rin’s appointment, there were rampant killings and thefts of livestock by unruly elements within the state. Nonetheless, there is the possibility of increased conflict if Hon. Tueny is removed from his governorship post.

Disease outbreaks are also a significant challenge for pastoralist communities. Livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever can wipe out entire herds, leaving these communities with no income, which has a devastating impact on their economic sustainability and their ability to feed themselves.

To enhance the economic sustainability of pastoralist communities and address these challenges, there is a need to support them in adopting more resilient and sustainable livestock management practices. This could include allowing them to have access to drought-resistant grasses near the toch areas without restrictions from state administrations. Training pastoralists on how to manage their livestock during times of drought is also essential. The government should engage international and regional experts to provide adequate training to pastoralist communities on how to protect their cattle during droughts. Additionally, there is a need to provide these communities with access to markets, veterinary services, and other resources to help them improve their livelihoods. This could be achieved by setting up marketplaces where they can sell their livestock products and providing them with access to vaccines and other veterinary services. In conclusion, the economic sustainability of pastoralist communities in South Sudan is crucial for their survival. Collaborative solutions that address the challenges they face and provide support to adopt more sustainable and resilient livelihoods are essential.

The author of this paper is an economist, humanitarian, and a student of Law at the University of Juba. Contact information can be found at maboryiel2015@gmail.com.