In a groundbreaking development today, March 7, 2024, Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State becomes the epicentre of transformative change as the World Bank-backed Productive Safety Net for Socio-economic Opportunities Project (SNSOP) is launched.
A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, this initiative, affectionately known as ‘Shabaka Meisha,’ is poised to usher in positive change and unprecedented opportunities in the region.
Expanding its influence to five additional South Sudanese counties—Pochalla, Aweil West, Maban, and Pariang—Shabaka Meisha’s reach now spans a total of 15 targeted counties. This extension follows the successful introduction of the project in ten initial counties: Juba, Kapoeta East, Tonj South, Torit, Bor, Pibor, Gogrial West, Raja, Melut, and Yei.
With a substantial funding of US$129 million from the World Bank, Shabaka Meisha is spearheaded by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW).
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been entrusted with the implementation of this four-year initiative.
This ambitious endeavour is set to create a lasting impact, benefiting over 96,000 vulnerable households, including refugees and host communities, across the targeted counties.
The project employs a multifaceted approach, incorporating cash transfers and the creation of income-generating livelihood opportunities, concurrently bolstering the efficiency of South Sudan’s national safety net delivery system.