South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
In Rajaf East, smallholder farmers say they can produce enough food for their families and beyond, but only if given better tools, seeds, training, and protection from floods and livestock.
Philomena Kenyi, a resilient smallholder farmer from Gbuduge village in Rajaf East, Central Equatoria State, embodies the struggles of many in South Sudan’s farming communities as she calls for greater support.
“With better tools and seeds, I could harvest enough to feed my family and sell in the market,” Philomena told The Dawn in an exclusive interview, her hands calloused from years of farming with basic tools.
Philomena has spent years tilling her land, growing crops and vegetables not only to feed her family but also to earn a modest income by selling the surplus at nearby markets. However, like many others in her village, her efforts are constantly undermined by a series of challenges — the most pressing being the destruction of farmland by roaming cattle and the unpredictable wrath of the climate.
“Last year was better,” she recalls, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and sorrow. “I produced more crops and even managed to sell some in the markets. But this year, everything changed.”
Unseasonal floods swept through her fields, washing away much of what she had planted. The damage was severe, and recovery seems distant.
“This year, floods have covered most of my crops and vegetables. I really don’t know what to do next year. I can’t even plan properly because there are so many challenges. It’s hard to keep going.”
Adding to the difficulty is the recurring issue of free-grazing cattle. Without strong fencing or enforcement of grazing regulations, animals frequently stray into farmlands, trampling and eating the crops that local farmers like Philomena depend on for survival.
“It’s frustrating to work so hard only to see your crops destroyed overnight,” she laments.
Despite these obstacles, Philomena believes in the potential of South Sudanese farmers. She’s calling on the government to step in — not just with words, but with tangible support.
“We need the government to support local farmers in the villages. We are capable of producing enough food for ourselves and even for others, especially when it comes to crops. But we need help — better tools, seeds, training, and protection from floods and livestock.”
Her plea also speaks to a broader issue of national food security and economic independence.
“We can’t continue importing almost everything from outside the country,” she says. “It’s expensive and unnecessary. We have the land. We have the people. What we need is support.”
Photo shows Farmer Richard Soka during an interview with The Dawn. Credit: Jenifer James.
Meanwhile, Richard Soka stands out as a symbol of perseverance and progress in agriculture.
“The issue of cattle destroying farms is worse these days,” Richard admits. “But I’ve spent my whole life farming, and it’s what brings me joy.”
Richard, a lifelong farmer, has built his livelihood around cereal crops like dura and a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplants, and others. His farm not only supports his family but also contributes to local food availability, especially in times of shortage.
“I started small, but I’ve never given up,” he explains. “Each season teaches me something new, and that helps me grow — not just as a farmer, but as a person.”
Despite the increasing challenges from stray livestock, Richard continues to expand and innovate. He is currently planning to scale up his farming operations, invest in improved irrigation, and explore eco-friendly pest control to boost his yields sustainably.
“My goal is to become a model farmer in Tokiman,” he says. “I want to inspire young people to take agriculture seriously. There’s a future in it if you work hard and stay focused.”
