Agriculture Experts, Students Call for Action on Food Security
By Kidega Livingstone
Agriculture experts from Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and students from the University of Juba have called for urgent action to promote agricultural practices as a way to combat food insecurity in South Sudan.
Speaking during a World Food Day public lecture held at the University of Juba on Saturday, the Country Director of WHH South Sudan, Ania Okinczyc, said food insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, driven by recurrent climate shocks and ongoing conflicts.
“Food insecurity continues to affect millions of South Sudanese. This calls for collective action from all sectors, including universities, to develop practical solutions,” Okinczyc said.
WHH Agriculture and Rural Development Expert Mackenze Masocha emphasized the importance of engaging academic institutions in food security discussions, noting that such collaboration contributes to South Sudan’s broader economic development.
“It is important to bring these conversations to institutions like the University of Juba, where future professionals can generate innovative ideas to transform the agricultural sector,” Masocha said.
Melling John Aboalla, a student from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, urged citizens to actively participate in agriculture to address food shortages caused by population growth and limited production.
Meanwhile, Arol Deng, another student from the Faculty of Agriculture, said young people must take a leading role in food production instead of waiting for external interventions.
“The situation is critical; we cannot afford to wait. The youth should be fully engaged in agriculture to ensure a sustainable food supply,” Deng said.
