South Sudan, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will host a major agriculture conference from May 4–8 aimed at revitalizing the country’s farming sector and boosting food production.
The conference, titled “Investing in Agri-food Systems for Better Life in South Sudan,” will bring together policymakers, farmers, investors, and development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening public-private partnerships and modernizing the country’s agriculture sector.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Lily Albino Akol said the conference will address challenges including climate change, limited infrastructure, low productivity, restricted access to modern technologies, and underdeveloped markets.
“It provides a unique platform to bring together government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and farmers to jointly identify practical and scalable solutions,” Akol said. “Our collective focus is clear: to mobilize investment, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the transformation of South Sudan’s agri-food systems.”
The forum will cover priority areas such as crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation, and agribusiness, while also emphasizing youth and women empowerment, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive growth. Participants will engage in policy discussions, technical workshops, and investment forums aimed at producing actionable results.
FAO South Sudan Representative Nicolas Kerandi said the conference will provide a platform to address high levels of food insecurity, unemployment, and the sector’s low contribution to the national economy.
“We aim to finalize and validate investment cases under the global FAO Government Hand-in-Hand initiative, particularly for fish, sorghum, rice, and livestock,” Kerandi said. “FAO will continue to support South Sudan in agricultural information, policy, technology, and innovation to drive sector transformation.”
Charles Undeland, World Bank Country Manager, highlighted the urgency of boosting production, noting that nearly 10 million people in South Sudan face food insecurity. He said only about 4–4.5% of the country’s arable land is currently under cultivation.
South Sudan has significant agricultural potential, with more than 80% of its land considered arable, abundant water resources, and diverse agro-ecological zones. However, the sector faces persistent obstacles, including climate shocks, poor infrastructure, low productivity, and weak market systems.
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