After a Decade of Impact, 2SCALE Concludes in South Sudan

By Awan Achiek

The 2SCALE programme concluded its final phase after a decade of promoting inclusive agribusiness in South Sudan, marking the end of a 13-year journey that transformed the country’s food systems and agricultural landscape.

The closing event held at the University of Juba focused on “Promoting Inclusive Agribusiness through Public–Private Partnerships.”

It brought together key players in the country’s agricultural sector and celebrated the progress made in building sustainable food systems.

The event reflected on lessons learned, success stories, and the future of sustainable agribusiness in South Sudan.

The programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is implemented by a consortium led by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the Base-of-the-Pyramid Innovation Center (BoPInc), and the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV).

2SCALE, a public-private initiative, was formally handed over to national partners.

The programme linked over 50 small and medium enterprises, including 50 women-led microeconomic groups, to cooperative societies to promote economic change.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Juba, Alana Sebit Owot, Country Team Leader of 2SCALE South Sudan, said the programme empowered rural communities and strengthened the country’s food system.

“We also worked with up to 50 small and medium enterprises, which were mainly cooperative societies, to drive economic change. We worked with 500 women microeconomic groups so that they could also tap into opportunities from these villages that have been promoted,” said Sebit.

Sebit noted that the programme created a series of job opportunities for smallholders, including women’s groups.

For her part, Duku Robinah, Food Security and Nutrition Policy Officer at the Netherlands Embassy in Juba, stated that the programme has contributed to local seed production, especially for cereals and legumes.

“I think we’ve heard in the introduction today that South Sudan is picking up interest in developing a sector that has been so much dominated by foreign investments,” said Duku.

She stated that partnerships in the private sector contribute to the development of market systems, highlighting the sustainability advantages that arise from private sector involvement.

“These milestones present opportunities for growth, given that these actors are more equipped to make informed decisions, shaped by knowledge, skills, lived experiences, and lessons learned.”

Michael Roberto Kenyi, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the ceremony signifies not only the conclusion of the 2SCALE programme but also the opportunity to acknowledge a successful transition and a lasting legacy.

“For 13 years, 2SCALE has been a transformative force in South Sudan’s agricultural landscape, fostering engagement with partners,” said Roberto.

He stated that 2SCALE has established connections between smallholder farmers and markets, supported small and medium enterprises, and promoted constructive dialogue between the government and the private sector.

The current phase of 2SCALE runs from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025.

The programme offers a range of support services to its business champions and partners, enabling them to produce, process, and supply quality food products.