South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
In a bid to enhance food security and productivity, at least 30 smallholder farmers in Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, have received training in modern farming and sustainable agricultural practices. This training is anticipated to transform local farming and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
The Sustainable Agriculture project was funded by the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) based in Glasgow.
The aims of the training are to strengthen farmers’ capacity in agro-ecological practices through model farm demonstrations and mentoring support.
Gibson Kamilio Bakuyo, Project Manager for Sustainable Agriculture under the Catholic Organisation for Development and Peace (CODEP), officially launched a five-day training programme aimed at transforming small-scale farming across Western Equatoria.
Addressing local leaders, clergy, farmers, and County Authority representatives on Monday at Regina Mundi Catholic Parish, Bakuyo emphasised the project’s mission: “We initiated this programme two years ago to empower and educate our farmers from Maridi, Mambe, and Nagero.
Today, we expand to Ezo, a region that has long supported our communities and even reached the national level in Juba.”
The project targets four parishes: Ezo, Yangiri, Ringasi, and St. Biaka Mambe, and will directly benefit 120 farmers and their families, totalling 720 households. Its core objectives include increasing food production through agro-ecological methods, strengthening resilience and livelihoods, and enhancing training and demonstration capacity for rural agriculture.
Bakuyo urged the selected 30 farmers in Ezo to commit fully to the training, noting that while no financial compensation would be provided, the long-term benefits could include the formation of cooperatives and access to farming equipment such as tractors and grinding mills.
Rev. Fr. Gamboripai William Abass, Parish Priest of Regina Mundi and Episcopal Vicar for Ezo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to CODEP and the Diocese. “We have fertile soil, stable security, and hardworking people.
This initiative is a blessing,” he said, acknowledging the leadership of Father Mbikoyo and the Bishop for their continued support.
Deputy RRC Coordinator Mr. Wilson Danadiri commended the county authorities for maintaining peace and security, ensuring a safe environment for CODEP’s activities. He also called for increased support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and closer engagement with farmer groups during the training.
Executive Director Henry Zenaro Agia echoed this sentiment, assuring CODEP of Ezo’s stable security and encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity. “These five days are crucial. Learn, commit, and build a better future,” he urged.
As the training begins, hope rises across Ezo County. With collaboration between Catholic organisations, local government, and community members, the seeds of sustainable agriculture are being sown not only in fields but also in the hearts of those determined to cultivate resilience and prosperity.
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP) officially launched a five-day training aimed at transforming small-scale farming across Western Equatoria, funded by the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) based in Glasgow.
