A thriving agricultural sector is essential for sustainable peace and development in South Sudan. With an estimated 95% of the population relying on farming, fishing, or herding for food and income, agriculture is the backbone of the economy and the most realistic path toward food security and poverty reduction. Yet, the country continues to grapple with persistent food insecurity, fueled by years of violent conflict, widespread displacement, climate shocks, and a collapsing economy.
The spillover effects of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, which disrupts critical supply chains, have compounded these challenges. Despite this backdrop, there is hope. South Sudan’s natural endowments—fertile land, abundant water resources, and a youthful population—offer immense agricultural potential. However, unlocking this potential requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands thoughtful planning, inclusive policy implementation, and the strategic adoption of technologies that are contextually appropriate.
Recently, the National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received 104 tractors, reportedly procured by the Ministry of Finance and Planning. This initiative, aimed at boosting national agricultural production, was widely publicized as a sign of commitment to mechanization. There have also been media reports suggesting that the agricultural sector may receive increased budgetary allocation in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, despite challenges with budget execution.
However, proper planning and coordination remain the sector’s greatest weaknesses. If efforts are not guided by frameworks such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan (CAMP) and implemented in collaboration with local institutions, these initiatives risk repeating past failures—where tractors ended up abandoned or underutilized due to lack of training, infrastructure, and support systems.
Agricultural mechanization refers to the use of machinery to improve farm productivity and reduce human drudgery in key operations—land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting, processing, and transport. In its appropriate form, mechanization is not about replacing people or importing large, incompatible machines. Rather, it is about introducing the right tools—user-friendly, efficient, and tailored to smallholder conditions. Appropriate mechanization enhances productivity by improving the timeliness and precision of operations, reducing labor intensity, and increasing output quality. It can help shift agriculture from a subsistence activity to a profitable enterprise—improving rural livelihoods and creating employment opportunities, especially for youth and women
Previous mechanization efforts faced significant challenges, including the top-down planning. Centralized, politically-driven tractor distribution often ignored the real needs of the rural farmers and the country’s diverse agro- ecological conditions.
There was a mismatch with farm size. Over 80% of food is produced on small, fragmented plots that are not suited for large tractors.
Lack of skills and infrastructure was another setback. Farmers frequently lacked the training to operate and maintain equipment. Spare parts and repair services were scarce or unaffordable.
There was also the neglect of the private sector. Mechanization services were rarely linked to market-driven models or cooperatives, undermining their sustainability.
These setbacks emphasize the need for localized, participatory approaches that treat smallholder farmers as key stakeholders—not passive beneficiaries.
Solutions can be found in several ways.
One is to build a viable path forward. South Sudan must adopt inclusive, scalable, and sustainable mechanization strategies. These could include the adoption of two-wheeled tractors, as they are more affordable and maneuverable than the four-wheeled tractors, especially in small fields or areas with tree cover and uneven terrain. They also require less infrastructure and are easier to maintain.
Emphasis must also be put on capacity building by establishing rural training centers to build local expertise in machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
Another solution is encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs), with local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and service providers to deliver mechanization services.
Farmers should also have access to finance through microcredit, subsidies, or group-based financing to make machinery more accessible to them and encourage youth-led agribusinesses.
Localized research and piloting is another way forward. The machinery ought to be tested and adapted to specific agro- ecological zones before scaling nationally.
Gender-sensitive approaches must also be considered by designing technologies and programs that address the unique roles and challenges faced by women in agriculture.
Agricultural mechanization, when approached strategically and thoughtfully, can be a powerful driver of food security, rural development, and economic growth in South Sudan. However, this requires more than political intention- it demands comprehensive, evidence-based strategy that equips smallholders with the right tools, training, and institutional support.
The writer, William Wolit, is a specialist in agriculture, with a focus on sustainable food systems for rural development.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.