Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State – A high-level delegation from the Government of South Sudan’s Economic Cluster successfully concluded a field mission to Aweil on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, to assess progress in key agricultural production and economic recovery initiatives.
Led by Hon. Abdelbagi Akol Agany Ayi, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the delegation included senior government officials from the Ministries of Livestock and Fisheries; Environment and Forestry; Trade and Industry; Health; Wildlife Conservation and Tourism; and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. Also joining the mission were representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the National Legislative Assembly, the African Development Bank (AfDB), FAO, and diplomatic missions from Germany and France.
During the visit, the delegation inspected major developments at the Aweil Rice Scheme (ARS), a flagship government program supporting national food production and economic resilience. Key infrastructure under review included the construction of a 26.7 km feeder road, water yard facilities, cultivation works in Basin 4, and the development of a research and seed storage facility under the AfDB-funded BREFONS project. The officials also toured newly established agro-mechanical service centers designed to bring tractors, harvesters, and maintenance services closer to farmers, enabling expanded cultivation, improved productivity, and reduced post-harvest losses.
In addition, the team monitored the rollout of the Climate Resilient Agriculture and Food Transformation (CRAFT) project, which will boost rice, sorghum, sesame, and fisheries value chains while promoting climate-smart technologies and research collaboration with local institutions, including the University of Juba. Hon. Abdelbagi Akol Ayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into the backbone of the economy.
“Agriculture remains the engine of our economic recovery. Through mechanization, innovation, and increased production, we are working to ensure every household becomes food secure and South Sudan reduces reliance on imported food.”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security extends appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who supported this mission and continues to call on citizens to embrace agriculture as a key pathway to prosperity and national self-reliance.
