CODEP Launches Six-Month Training for 50 Farmers Aiming to Combat Hunger in Western Equatoria

CODEP Launches Six-Month Training for 50 Farmers Aiming to Combat Hunger in Western Equatoria

By Baraka John

Fifty members of the community-based farmers in Yambio and Nzara counties are expected to benefit from a six-month training on crop production, courtesy of the Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (CODPEP). 

CODEP on Wednesday launched a six-month community farming project in Yambio, entitled Empowering the Community through Livelihood Program.

Speaking to the Rurugene Online Newsletter, the director of CODEP Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, noted that the project targets fifty farmers in three locations Gitikiri, Rii-rangu, and Nandi.   

He added that in the course of the six months, the beneficiaries will gain skills in crop production (agronomy), and also be given seeds and farming tools as they embark on farming.  

Fr. Mbikoyo added that the ultimate goal of the project is to increase food security in the community in Western Equatoria. 

“We designed this project looking at the current situation in our country, in our state, and in our community. There is a warning that hunger will be in some parts of South Sudan, and the level of malnutrition is just increasing because there is no food. When we look into this situation, we say no, better we design a project that will help in increasing food production”, Fr. Mbikoyo said.

On the other hand, the director general in the state ministry of Agriculture Mr. Friday Gibson, applauded CODEP for winning the farm project, noting that, this will benefit the community and increase productivity in the state.

Gibson said the state ministry of agriculture is ready to send its extension workers to train farmers in agricultural practices.  

“We have enough extension workers, so we need you to also get them so that they can help our farmers”, Gibson advised.

Some of the expected beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the initiative, saying this will build their capacity in crop production, hence increasing food production.

Angelina Dominic Dabi, a farmer at Rii-rangu payam, applauded the project and said this will sharpen her knowledge in crop production and hence increase food production.

“Let us use this opportunity so that we can produce enough food and be hunger-free and fight away poverty”, Angelina stated.

Mr. Agbia John a catechist and one of the beneficiaries, believed that, through the new skills, he would be able to double his effort to cultivate massively and improve his life status.

“I can be able to cultivate and buy Iron sheets to roof my building, with this I can be able to live under a good roof”.     

The launching was graced by His Lordship Barani Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala and was attended by the partners including the UN-FOA.