Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 1: 8 - 12. Published January 2008.
Perspectives on Rural Recovery and Agricultural Rehabilitation in Post-conflict Southern Sudan
Kaka Meseka Silvestro*^ and Oyik**Cirino Oketayot
* Agricultural Research Corporation, P.O. Box 126, Wad Medani, Sudan.
** Southern Sudan Agricultural Research and Technology Organization, Juba, Sudan.
* Corresponding author E-mail: kayidriyewa@yahoo.com Mobile: +249915217901
ABSTRACT
Numerous attempts have been made by aid agencies and policy makers in the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) to address food security issues in post-conflict Southern Sudan. Most of the attempts seem not be addressing the immediate needs of the local farmers. This paper attempts to examine the approaches of aid agencies and GOSS policy makers toward rural recovery and rehabilitation of agriculture. Based on investigations and findings undertaken between September – November 2006 in southern Sudan, aiming to “map food security and natural resources management”, it was found that much effort was exerted towards seed aid with little regard to promoting local agricultural production to enhance consumption, infrastructure and market linkages. There is a lack of institutional capacity coupled with continuous change of policies in GOSS. The new policy of GOSS towards rehabilitation of agriculture is in two phases: Phase I includes development and increase of agricultural production to meet internal food needs, and Phase II focuses on increasing production of surplus agricultural commodities for domestic, regional and international markets. These policies are not consistent with agricultural rehabilitation programs and rural development, and have shown little impact in both rural and urban areas. For agricultural production and marketing to succeed it should be supported by a sound policy framework involving all the relevant GOSS institutions. The paper advocates increased involvement of the private sector in provision of agricultural services, and allowing more freedom for research operations and extension services, so that the long run objectives of sustainable food security and economic growth can be realized in Southern Sudan.
Key words: Southern Sudan, agriculture, recovery, services, policies.
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