Farmers in Western Bahr el Ghazal state boosted

July 7, 2015 (WAU) – Farmers in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state have aided by SORUDEV, a smallholder food security and livelihoods project to improve their skills.

SORUDEV is an indigenous rural development programme funded by the European Union (EU) and is currently being implemented in the country’s Greater Bahr el Ghazal region.

The small project is being run by four non-governmental organisations in the four states of Lakes, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan. It is implemented by Hope Agencies for Relief and Development (HARD) and Christian Aid.

“SORUDEV works to reduce vulnerability, increase in food security and enhance livelihoods of rural households in Western Bahr el Ghazal state,” HARD’s executive director, Cleto Ireneo said at the launch of the financial support programme on Tuesday.

The project reportedly targets progressive productions to local farmers with potential to increase agricultural productivity, but still faced challenges which are to be overcome.

SORUDEV promotes use of animal ox-ploughs and trains farmers on crop production skills.

Funds offered by the project will be repaid at 15% interest at the end of the season.

(ST).