South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
Plan International, an international non-governmental organization operating in South Sudan has reached an agreement with the government to collaborate in investing in agriculture
South Sudan, which is billed to be the Sub-Saharan regions breadbasket when at high production levels is currently struggling with a dire economy and the government is advocating for increased local production to tame the crisis.
The Country Director for Plan International, Mohamed Kamal has revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Agriculture will pave way for innovative models related to smart agriculture, renewable energy and food security.
“It is a unique day for us to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, an indicator of the commitment of the government of South Sudan to continue working with international civil society organizations to make a difference in the life of the people of South Sudan,” Kamal said at the signing of the MOU.
Kamal said his organization’s service in the country is promoting and protecting right of children, girls and women, and that the top global priority includes promotion and protection of rights to food security and agriculture.
“This memorandum of understanding should help us engage our international donors, our stakeholders within South Sudan and also make the best use of long lasting existence in Africa to bring to South Sudan innovative models when it comes to smart agriculture, renewable energy and food security,” he said.
John Ogoto Kanisio Lefuk, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said the priority is improving investment in Agriculture in South Sudan.
“We are partnering to forge joint areas of work. The government is conscious about what development partners are doing in this country,” said Lefuk.
“We look at areas that we can do work together, food security and empowering our population especially women and children, we look at how we can build resilience because this country has relied on food assistance for quite long,” he said.
Lefuk said the Ministry has forged a 25 year plan in line with the government’s vision of 2040, and that Plan International is paying much attention to government led programing and government led implementation.
“As government we target all states, counties, payams and bomas, we have prepared our 25 year plan in line with vision 2040 of the country,” Lefuk said.
“We have investment plans for all parts of the country.”
