South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The Catholic Organisation for Development and Peace (CODEP), with support from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) in Glasgow, has launched a Sustainable Agriculture Project aimed at supporting 120 farmers in the Ezo, Yambio, and Maridi counties of Western Equatoria State.
The project officially commenced with a briefing in Ezo on Wednesday and will provide training to farmers in agro-ecological methods to enhance food production, improve livestock management, and strengthen household resilience.
In each of the targeted areas—Ezo, Yangiri Payam, Nzara, Ringasi, Maridi, and Mambe—30 farmers will be enrolled in the programme.
Project Manager Gibson Kamilio highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “We want to increase the capacity of farmers by training them and establishing a demonstration institute for rural agricultural development in Western Equatoria.”
He noted that the project will directly impact 120 farmers and indirectly benefit over 720 household members, with a strong emphasis on women and persons with disabilities.
“It will increase knowledge, practical skills, and financial resources for farming as a business,” Kamilio added.
Fr. Wenengbi Moses, acting Parish Priest of Regina Mundi, commended CODEP’s ongoing efforts to uplift communities:
“As Church leaders, we will continue to pray for peace in our country so that more opportunities will arise for our communities, especially the IDPs across South Sudan.”
Ezo County RRC Coordinator Mr. Siani Martin expressed gratitude for CODEP’s hospitality and commitment:
“We really need this programme. Ezo has produced more agricultural products this year, and this training will empower our farmers to achieve even more through the knowledge they acquire.”
However, Martin also pointed out ongoing challenges, saying, “Farmers have the produce, but insecurity is limiting their access to markets.”
County Commissioner Hon. Col. Abel Sudan echoed the appreciation and pledged government support, stating, “This is not the first time CODEP has implemented such projects. They have been active across all ten counties. We will stand with them until our people benefit fully.”
Sudan affirmed that local, state, and national governments will continue to foster an enabling environment for CODEP’s activities.
The communities in Ezo County have warmly welcomed the project, viewing it as a crucial step towards self-reliance, food security, and peace. With training set to begin soon, hopes are high that this initiative will sow seeds of transformation across Western Equatoria.
