BOR - When extraordinary flooding struck low-lying, flood-prone Jonglei, the impact was devastating, with many farmers helplessly watching their crops and livelihoods being swept away.
“I had around 400 mango, guava, lemon and teak trees. But when the flood came in 2020, it destroyed everything,” explains farmer, John Chol.
Realizing that the new, wetter weather patterns weren’t about to go away and that other traditional staples, like sorghum and maize, were also at risk of being wiped out, something had to be done.
In June 2023, agricultural scientists at the John Garang University in Bor, inspired and supported by South Korean peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan came up with what seemed like a crazy idea: why not try growing rice, a grain known to thrive where water is plentiful?
Since then, around 150 farming men and women in and around Bor have learnt the nitty-gritty of every phase involved in cultivating the grain, with John Chol being one of the latest graduates.
“We were mobilized by the university to go and see how the rice process is going with UNMISS. So, I went there, we were given seeds to plant.”
After clearing a one acre new plot of land, John did exactly that. Just three months later, he is busy harvesting the fruits of his labor, collecting 750 kilos of rice from his small test area.
This bountiful return for a negligible investment has turned previously curious but doubting neighbours into believers.
“When I started planting here, they asked what I was doing. When I told them I was planting rice, they said it can’t germinate here,” he said. “Now they see now the rice is ready and, suddenly, they are offering to help with weeding. Now they say, they’ll join me in rice planting next year. This is a real example of empowering people to support themselves.”
Around 200 women who helped with the weeding have been inspired to begin rice planting. With such demand for training, university professors, South Korean peacekeepers, and former students assisting the newcomers will be kept busy for years to come.
“It is really impactful training,” says rice farmer and student mentor, Peter Ajak Ateny. “The students and farmers have developed skills that will last for life. The rice production will improve food security as well as the economy more generally.”
The curriculum for beneficiaries of the vocational training is extensive, including soil preparation, planting techniques, best pest-control practices, irrigation and water management methods. Perhaps its most outstanding feature, however, is how to operate different kinds of machinery that can significantly increase productivity.
“The first time we produced around 500 kilos, when we were using manual methods. This progressed when we introduced the machines to a harvest of two tonnes and now five tonnes, ” says Peter.
Had it not been for South Sudan’s dry season, his annual output would have been even bigger. A few months without rain means that the Jonglei pioneers had to make do with three instead of four harvests a year.
Still, the additional income their produce can generate goes a long way.
John Chol uses his to pay school fees for his seven children. For his eldest son, who is about to finish secondary school, he has a plan.
“I want him to go to university to study agriculture. When he comes back, he can tell me how my farming methods can be improved.”
The UN peacekeepers involved in the project share the joy experienced by the many women and men who have graduated.
“I'm truly proud and grateful for the abundant results we are seeing today, from rice cultivation to orchid farming, and even the transfer of agricultural skills. The hard work and sweat shared by our peacekeepers and the local community has come together to make this possible,” says Sergeant Yeo Young Gu, South Korean peacekeeper.
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By Mariaka Martin and Achol Kur
