South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry together with World Vision on Thursday, signed agreement for the implementation of a five-year project worth $33 million to increase the resilience of communities affected by climate change in the country.
The project entitled “Watershed Approach for Climate Resilient Agro Pastoral Landscape in South Sudan” will be implemented by World Vision in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and government.
This initiative will impact 75,000 people, enhancing their capacity to manage and withstand the adverse effects of climate change in Aweil Center and Aweil East of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Dr. Mesfin Lola, Country Director for World Vision in South Sudan said the project intends to address the impact of climate change in the country.
“What the project intends to achieve is sustainable livelihood for communities, sustainable livelihood to deal with hunger and malnutrition, sustainable intervention to address impact of climate change in South Sudan,” said Mesfin during the signing ceremony in Juba.
Mesfin promised to work hard to make sure that this project becomes a success.
“I would like to assure you that World Vision has put in place a strong structure and strong team, that will be working with all key stake-holders and government at all levels to make sure that this project is successful,” he said.
Josephine Napwon Cosmos, Minister of Environment and Forestry said the project will introduce smart agriculture strategies to the people of the Northern Bahr El Ghazal State to increase their agriculture production and enhance their livelihood.
Napwon said this project will be replicated and scaled up in other States when funds are acquired.
“I expect World Vision to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and the stakeholders such that the project will be sustained when the project period is over.”
For his part, Dominic Sam the UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan, said the project is seeking to add value to 15,000 hectares of land through sustainable land and water management practices.
“This project spearheads responsive climate adaptation efforts in the agricultural sector by integrating climate change strategies into national policies and bolstering local extension services,” said Sam.
He said this initiative aims to mitigate climate impacts, preserve ecosystem, and bolster agricultural productivity.
“The focus extends to resilient agriculture and food value chains, where we are implementing climate-smart practices to mitigate crop failure risks and enhance food security, and economic independence for 25,000 individuals,” said Sam.
