The launch of the programme was officiated by Minister of Agriculture, Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec, Minister of Trade, Paul Mayom Akec and deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to South Sudan, Jeroen Kelderhuis.
The majority of households in South Sudan rely on subsistence farming. This is the result of a lack of access to capital, quality agricultural inputs, storage facilities and limited knowledge on improved farming techniques and farming as a business.
Enkas Chau, programme manager of Cordaid South Sudan, told media Sunday that NGOs Cordaid, Agriterra and SPARK will implement the programme in Yambio (West), Torit (East), Rumbek (center) and Bor towns (North).
He said the project will support 10,000 farmers and their agribusinesses, adding that the programme has a particular focus on supporting youth and women to start their own businesses.
Chau further said the programme will contribute to a brighter future with better food security and self-reliance for many South Sudanese citizens.
The project is part of a larger initiative called the Partnership for Resilience and Recovery (PfRR). It runs from 2019 to 2023, with a total budget of 11 million US dollars.
The agri-business development project is support by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Juba.