IFAD, South Sudan Launch US$41.8 Million Project to Strengthen Food Security and Rural Livelihoods
Copyright: ©IFAD/ Marco Salustro, Creator: Marco Salustro
By Sasuk Taban
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, has launched a US$41.8 million Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) aimed at improving food security, strengthening climate resilience, and enhancing rural livelihoods for more than 110,000 people across the country.
The project seeks to address the root causes of food insecurity and fragility by increasing agricultural productivity, promoting climate-smart farming practices, and strengthening rural institutions. It also supports South Sudan’s transition from humanitarian dependence to sustainable and resilient food systems.
Speaking at the launch, IFAD Country Director Caroline Mwongera said SADEP will place rural communities at the center of development while promoting long-term resilience.
“SADEP advances climate-resilient food systems, strengthens livelihoods in fragile settings, and places rural communities at the centre. In a context like South Sudan, sustained and predictable financing is essential to translate these gains into long-term stability and food security,” she said.
The initiative will focus on developing climate-resilient sorghum and fisheries value chains, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving farmers’ access to markets, financial services, and agricultural extension support.
In the fisheries sector, the project aligns with the Government’s ambition to transform South Sudan into a fish-exporting country by 2027, targeting annual production of 200,000 metric tonnes. To achieve this, SADEP will rehabilitate key fisheries infrastructure, including landing sites, ice plants, and storage facilities, while promoting sustainable fishing practices and modern production technologies.
The project will prioritize communities facing high levels of poverty and vulnerability, with particular emphasis on women, youth, and other marginalized groups through a community-driven approach designed to strengthen local ownership and social cohesion.
Approximately 18,700 households are expected to benefit from improved nutrition through the distribution of nutrient-rich crops, better natural resource management, and enhanced agricultural practices. The project will also strengthen the capacity of national and local institutions through technical training in seed production and fish handling, policy development, climate resilience planning, rural infrastructure investment, and expanded extension services.
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec described the project as a major step toward achieving South Sudan’s agricultural transformation goals.
“This project advances our national priorities to transition from humanitarian dependence to resilient and productive food systems. In partnership with IFAD, SADEP will empower farmers, fishers, women, and youth to strengthen livelihoods, with a clear commitment to scale results nationwide,” he said.
SADEP is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with US$8.9 million through the Strengthening Adaptation through Institutional Building and Resilient Livelihoods in South Sudanese Agro-pastoral Landscapes (SABRELA) project. It will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH).
