Cooperative experts call for action to drive South Sudan’s economic growth
By Kidega Livingstone
Experts from various cooperative organizations in South Sudan and the region are urging decisive action to stimulate economic growth.
The AIC-Africa Regional President ,Ayeola Tajudeen emphasized that cooperatives are about empowering people and building wealth not just alleviating poverty, but supporting broad economic development.
“We need to create jobs for our members. Let us call for action for economic growth that doesn’t leave anyone behind,” Tajudeen said on Monday during the National Cooperative Forum, organized by the Directorate of Cooperative Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and partners.
Meanwhile, Oniel Yosia, Director General for Cooperative Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said that inadequate transportation is a serious challenge for farming cooperatives. Many farmers struggle to get their products to markets across counties due to lack of trucks.
“Most of our products are being exported out because we cannot afford transport, so foreign purchasers are selling our own products back for consumption in South Sudan,” he said.
A representative from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Asther Kenyi, said cooperative-led agricultural activities are transforming the sector.
She revealed that agricultural projects being implemented by the government and partners could become key drivers of cooperative growth in many parts of the country.
“We are seeing our cooperative members selling their products not only in domestic markets but also regionally,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Lily Albino Akol affirmed that individuals registered in cooperative groups hold significant economic potential, but they need training. She urged that training should not remain theoretical.
“The ideas and the knowledge learned should extend beyond the training hall, reaching groups at the grassroots,” she said.
She also noted that while the ministry lacks the capacity to fund individual groups, the banks should play a greater role in financing them.
