South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
A group of 30 smallholder farmers from the Marasendeyo Farmers Group in Ezo County has successfully completed a five-day intensive training on modern farming and sustainable agriculture techniques.
The farmers were supported by the Catholic Organisation for Development and Peace (CODEP) under the Sustainable Agriculture Project funded by the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).
The training, facilitated by Emmanuel Joseph Gigaragbere and organised by CODEP, aimed to equip grassroots farmers with practical skills to enhance food production and resilience.
The sessions covered key topics including planting and spacing, composting using Marniwa techniques, water management and mulching, post-harvest handling, and agronomic practices tailored to local conditions.
Facilitator Emmanuel Joseph Gigaragbere praised the farmers’ enthusiasm and commitment. “This group has shown remarkable dedication throughout the training. I’ve learned a lot from them myself,” he said. “They are ready to implement what they’ve learned, and I’ll be monitoring their progress after one month.”
Gigaragbere also announced the development of bylaws for the Marasendeyo group to guide its members in cooperative farming and accountability.
Participants expressed gratitude for the training. Ruzetha Augustino, one of the beneficiaries, stated, “I’m not going back the same way I came. I’ve gained knowledge that I’ll share with others in my community.”
Martin Manguasa echoed her sentiments, thanking CODEP and Bishop Barani Eduardo for their continued support. “We are ready to make changes in our group called Marasendeyo because truly, there is money in the soil,” he said.
Project Manager Gibson Kamilio Bakuyo emphasised the economic potential of agriculture. “If you want to become a billionaire, go for farming,” he told the farmers. “Let’s put our effort into farming to secure our future.”
He encouraged the group to supply vegetables to Ezo County this season and the next, highlighting their role in strengthening local food systems.
However, Bakuyo mentioned that CODEP has a series of programmes they have implemented, including humanitarian aid, education, health, child protection, media, and peacebuilding, and they hope one will be implemented in Ezo one day.
Meanwhile, Fr. Gamboripai William Abass, Parish Priest of Regina Mundi Catholic Parish in Ezo, commended the initiative.
“This training is a blessing to our community. It brings knowledge to the soil and hope to the hands that till it. I thank Bishop Barani Eduardo and the CODEP team for empowering our farmers not just with tools, but with vision. Let this be the beginning of a harvest of transformation.”
The Marasendeyo Farmers Group now looks ahead with renewed energy, ready to cultivate both crops and community change.
