Farmers in Lopit area of Lopa/Lafon County of Eastern Equatoria state are counting losses after wild animals invaded their farms destroying crops.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, several community leaders complained about the destruction of 13,000 farms by wild animals.
The animals escaped in large numbers from Boma National Park last week.
Luka Kidi, the deputy community chairperson, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the wild animals destroyed all the farms in Lofiriang Payam.
“All farms in Lofirang Payam in Lopa/Lafon County were destroyed by wild animals. There is nothing on the ground. 13,000 household farms of 10 fedans each were destroyed,” said Kidi.
He added, “They come yearly, but this time they got when crops are still young. I encourage my community Farm again.”
The community leader urged non-governmental organizations and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) to quickly intervene for farmers to carry out more agricultural activities as rains continue.
Severino Maira Janus, a lawmaker representing the area of Lopit in the state legislative assembly described the incident as a natural disaster.
He urged humanitarian agencies to assist the affected population.
“Yes, I heard about the animals destroying the farms and people at home were calling me over the issue. We have informed RRC to do an assessment. The farms are destroyed and people need help,” Maira explained.
For his part, John Odongi, the RRC state coordinator said a team was sent to the area to verify the damages caused.
“Ark for Humanity, our implementing partner in Lopa/Lafon is in charge of food security in that area at the moment. Giving humanitarian assistance to the people is not immediate, it is a process in the form of providing seeds and tools that will be used next season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Captain Elpidio Osuru Obura, the wildlife officer in the state confirmed what happened in Lopit, but said they are waiting for accurate information from the team on the ground.
He, however, said the government would help residents whose farms were destroyed once the verification process has been completed.