Concerted efforts needed to tackle food insecurity, says Kiir

July 31, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has urged the United Nations to help in developing a robust agricultural system in the country.

The move, he said, would improve food production thus reducing food insecurity.

The South Sudanese leader was on Tuesday meeting the visiting Director-General of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Qu Dongyu, President of International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Dr. Alvaro Lario and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain in the capital, Juba.

Speaking at the same meeting, South Sudan’s Agriculture minister, Josephine Joseph Lagu said the team from the world body are in the country to assess the food security situation and the situation of people fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Fighting between the Sudanese army (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (SAF) has reportedly has killed over 3,000 civilians and displaced more than 3 million since April 15, amid reports that 25 million people need humanitarian aid and protection.

For his part, Dr. Lario said they are seeking to strengthen collaborative efforts towards improving food production through new technologies and investments.

The Acting Foreign Affairs minister, Deng Dau Malek said a conducive environment will be provided for aid agencies to freely move all over the country.

Despite the huge agricultural potential that South Sudan currently possesses, only about percent of the country’s arable land is reportedly being utilised.

(ST)