The European Union Ambassador to South Sudan on Wednesday visited Food Security and Resilience in Transitioning Environments (FORESITE) project and its beneficiaries in Marial Baai Payam, Jur River County of Western Barh El Ghazal State.

Under the FORSITE Project, which is implemented by the consortia of World Vision, Norwegian Refugee Council and AVSI, the formation of peace committees has reduced conflicts over water points, land and farms.

The project beneficiaries believe self-reliance is a real possibility and urge the European Union Delegation to extend the same support to other communities in other Bomas of the county. This is the first meeting of its kind were communities no longer ask for additional support for themselves since they feel they can do on their own.

“The project will definitely end one day but we are not worried because we have the skills that will remain with us to continue producing more food. That is why we are grateful to NRC and World Vision,” Akuec Majok, 37, mother of seven said. 

“We also learnt business management skills from the project. As of now, most of the team members are managing their own businesses.”

Marial Bai Payam’s community chief Longar Mayik hailed the project and shared their plans to acquire a tractor in the future in order to further expand their farms.    

Ambassador Christian Bader was impressed by the increase in acreage under crop production due to use of ox ploughs, with farmers now able to sale surplus produce like groundnuts, sorghum, and sesame.  In addition, there are now vibrant Village Savings and Loan Associations, which he believes would improve the living conditions of the farmers, especially women.

“The future of this country is Agriculture, as the country is endowed with large tracts of arable land and water. Use your cattle to produce meat and milk,” Ambassador Bader said.

He further praised the farmers for the commitment and efforts towards the success of the project but reiterated the need for peace, saying without peace, development will be impossible.  

Dorance Cooper, World Vision’s Programmes Director also hailed the farmers for their diligence and embracing the project as their own.