South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
In a collaborative effort to advance sustainable development goals, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with the embassies of South Africa, India, Brazil, and Oxfam, has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing energy access for marginalised communities.
Speaking during the launch of the project, Dr. Mohamed Abchir, the UNDP Resident Representative, emphasised the initiative’s alignment with national and global objectives.
“This project is also in line with our efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals related to electric energy,” Dr. Abchir stated. “The national goals and targets are outlined in the national development strategy and the Union System Operations Development Framework. At its core, the project focuses on regulatory development and supports vulnerable groups, including female-headed households, widows, young mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, and individuals with disabilities working in agriculture. We view farming as a critical sector for inclusive growth.”
Meanwhile, Oxfam Country Director Shabnam Baloch highlighted the broader impact of the partnership, stressing community resilience and inclusion.
“This is not just a milestone,” Baloch said. “It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision and determination.”
She added that women and youth are central to the initiative, particularly in vegetable production, which she described as a vital tool for community empowerment.
“By honouring their strength and resilience, women and youth are at the heart of this initiative. By improving vegetable production, we are not only increasing food security but also opening doors to dignity, opportunity, and resilience,” Baloch said. “To achieve sustainable food systems, we are working tirelessly to provide better tools, expanded services, and hands-on training—planting the seeds of lasting, sustainable change.”
The collaboration between UNDP and Oxfam reflects a growing push for inclusive development strategies that prioritise sustainability, equity, and long-term resilience for vulnerable populations.
The event concluded with the handover of the Gbuduge farm and four motorcycles to the communities, which will help transport the vegetables from the farm to the markets.
