Learning new farming skills to support the family

South Sudan | 2023 | CBPF

South Sudan, Fangak County. Dak Biliu lives in Kuerkan village, South Sudan, where, like most of the population, people are dealing with a complex humanitarian crisis driven by escalating violence, economic instability, climactic shocks, and poor quality basic services.

One significant impact of the situation is acute food insecurity. Over half the population – around 7.1 million people – are expected to face crisis-level or severe acute food insecurity, especially during the April to July lean season.

With funding from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund, local NGO Community Action Organization reached 25,000 vulnerable people with a capacity-building programme aimed at improving agricultural practices.

Dak was one of the participants. He had long wished to stop relying on rations for his family. The programme trained him to teach others about improved planting, vegetable management, and irrigation in the dry season.

He established a plot where he grows vegetables and teaches other farmers what he learned in the programme.

Now, he is earning enough from selling vegetables and teaching that he can invest in a cow. It is a big relief for himself and his family.

“I no longer live like a beggar. I can now afford the basics for my family, such as food, school fees and uniforms, and medical expenses in case anyone falls sick,” he said.

With most of the people in South Sudan relying on climate-sensitive livelihoods, this heightens their vulnerability to scarcity of water and food, sanitation issues, and resource-related conflicts.

More information on the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund