A food security conference that kicked off on Tuesday in Aweil town brought together governors of former Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

The conference aims at encouraging local food production to combat hunger in the region. It is attended by key stakeholders including officials in the unity government.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, the Governor of Aweil State, Ronald Ruay Deng, said the conference was successfully launched, while expressing hope that the outcome of the discussions would improve and enhance local farmers’ livelihood.

“We have successfully launched the Second Integrated Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition Conference for the Northern Bahr el Gazal states. The guest of honour Hon. Onyoti Adigo, the National Minister of Agriculture warmly opened the conference under the theme, "Fighting Food Insecurity and Malnutrition Together,” said Ronald.

“We are engaging all stakeholders in serious discussions on how our stable region can provide peace dividends to our communities through resilience and livelihood programs,” he added.

The official said agriculture and nutrition are on top of their agenda. He pointed out that the participants hope to mobilize all households in the region to cultivate at least two feddans during the upcoming farming season.

The governor commended their partners for supporting the program.

“We sincerely thank the World Food Programme for sponsoring this huge event and committing to support our communities through initiatives such as GFD, FFA/W etc.  We thank all partners and agencies that are supporting our fight against hunger and malnutrition,”he said.

Photo: South Sudan Agriculture Minister, Onyoti Adigo Nyikuac, speaking during a food security conference in Aweil on Tuesday April 11, 2017. (Radio Tamazuj)