The Role of Climate-Resilient Crop Demonstration Plots in Improving Food Security in Low-Income Neighborhoods: A Case of South Sudan

Abstract

Despite South Sudan's potential for agriculture and cultivation, food insecurity has remained a source of concern, with the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 report designating the state of hunger in South Sudan as alarming based on the population undernourished (19.6%) and the number of children dying before their fifth birthday (9.9%). In addition to this, the Global Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Emergency Review Committee identifies 42% of South Sudan's population as those afflicted by the high levels of food insecurity. It is for this reason that European Union (EU) through Tearfund in partnership with Coalition for Humanity (CH) intervened with an objective of piloting climate-resilient agriculture in Rubkona County, Unity state in South Sudan through the establishment of disease resistant rice demo plots. The management theory of project management was used to achieve the objective. This led to increased awareness, greater participation and interest in adopting new agricultural practices. The participatory approach used fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers within the county thus making them to understand the practical benefits of the technologies demonstrated. To use this approach, Coalition for Humanity established 40 farmer groups, targeting 800 food insecure households (4,800 individuals). This was followed by the distribution of agricultural inputs to the households, and engagement of 10 extension workers to provide capacity building of farmers on basic agronomic practices and nutrition sensitive agriculture before the establishment of the demo-plots. The formation of these demo-plots led to increased awareness of farmers in Rubkona County thus resulting in improved engagement and interest in adopting new agricultural practices. Community Engagement with farmers by involving them in the selection of demo locations and management activities enhanced their participation and ownership of the projects. This participatory approach also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers. In addition to this, farmers who participated in demo-plots were able to learn by doing, thus resulting to the practicability and adoption of new technologies. The recommendation includes provision of continuous training and support to farmers to ensure they can effectively adopt and maintain new practices. Community formation of partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and businesses to leverage resources and expertise are also recommended. Fostering of collaborative projects between schools and local communities to foster real-world problem-solving skills is also a necessity by the education sector.