Meet Mrs. Anna Aquila, a Student at SARD Institute Aiming to Embrace Agri-Culture as a Full-Time Job
Meet Mrs. Anna Aquila, a Student at SARD Institute Aiming to Embrace Agri-Culture as a Full-Time Job
By Baraka John
Anna Aquila Gift, a dedicated student at Sustainable Agricultural for Rural Development (SARD) Institute in Western Equatoria, is determined to transform her life through agriculture. Aspiring to become self-reliant, she aims to establish a large farm upon completing her 16-month training.
In an interview with the Rurugene Online Newsletter on Thursday 19th Sept 2024, Anna shared her vision of transitioning from traditional farming to modern farming techniques.
“I’m committed to gaining the skills necessary to become an innovative farmer, supplying food across and beyond our country,” she stated.
A mother of three and a senior secondary school leaver, Anna believes that the fertile soil in Western Equatoria offers immense potential. She plans to use her training to cultivate various cash crops, hoping her journey will inspire young women in Yambio and beyond to pursue farming as a viable livelihood, reducing reliance on family support.
“Western Equatoria is rich in fertile land, and youth should engage in farming to combat poverty and hunger,” Aquila emphasized.
She noted that starting a farming business requires less capital due to the region's soil fertility and ample rainfall.
Although Western Equatoria state is regarded as bread bask in South Sudan due to its soil fertility, majority of the community cannot produce enough food due to lack of training on farming and soil management.
On the hand, Mr. Marcello Constamtino, a tutor at SARD and the director general in the state ministry of agriculture, highlighted that such training is vital for farmers to increase food production. Noting that jobless young people should be encouraged to join such a training to enable them start their own businesses.
Constantino revealed that, many university graduates have enrolled at the institute, gaining practical skills in various agricultural fields.
During a recent inspection, the state minister of agriculture, Alison Barnaba, encouraged students to embrace farming as a source of income and to utilize their new skills to modernize agricultural practices.
Student of SARD Institute during practical
“Our goal is to increase productivity, as South Sudan must engage in commercial farming. We need to empower people to afford education for their children,” Barnaba stated.
SARD Institute focuses on sustainable agriculture training, offering courses including: crop production, livestock production, farm management, organic farming, and agro- forestry among others.
SARD Institute stidents working on their farm
The institute has established a demonstration farm at St. Augustine Parish in Yambio, consisting of one hectare, divided into small plots for practical training. They offer programs ranging from 16 months to as short as 1-6 weeks.
