Farmers working on a floating vegetable garden along the White Nile River in Malakal. — Courtesy of Caritas Malakal Catholic Diocese

Caritas Malakal Catholic Diocese has launched a floating vegetable garden project to offer a sustainable agricultural solution for flood-prone areas in the Greater Upper Nile.

According to Alfred Kwajkwan, the Food Security and Livelihood Officer at Caritas Malakal Catholic Diocese, the floating vegetable garden project is expanding rapidly.

He says this also has the potential to significantly enhance food security and resilience in South Sudan’s most vulnerable regions.

These gardens, which use local materials and high humidity instead of traditional irrigation, aim to boost self-sufficiency in food production.

They offer a year-round cultivation option, are cost-effective, and are less prone to pests and diseases compared to conventional farming methods.

The floating garden concept, first developed in Panyikang County in 2020, gained momentum in 2022 after severe floods damaged traditional crops.

Inspired by similar techniques in Asia and Europe, the project was initially implemented in Fashoda County.

Kwajkwan emphasized that with the increasing impact of climate change, particularly floods, it is crucial to explore innovative agricultural solutions.

The floating gardens have already demonstrated promising results, with successful cultivation observed on two rafts in Dethwok, measuring 12 by 6 meters and 10 by 6 meters, respectively.

Some vegetables can be harvested in as little as 3 to 4 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.

“The value of the floating vegetable garden becomes especially apparent during the flood season when land is submerged, forcing residents to seek higher ground. This flooding limits farmers’ opportunities to engage in traditional agriculture,” Kwajkwan explained.

“We developed this idea to help citizens grow fast-growing vegetables like watercress, okra, greens, and purslane,” he added.

“The advantage of the floating vegetable garden is its durability; it is built to last a year with minimal annual maintenance using local materials, making it a cost-effective solution,” he noted.

“Another benefit is that irrigation isn’t needed because high humidity provides sufficient water. Additionally, the clay used, after fermenting for four days, supports soil fertility and reduces the need for pesticides,” Kwajkwan said.

“We’ve implemented large floating gardens measuring 10 by 6 meters. The flexibility of these gardens allows them to be easily moved and relocated as needed,” he concluded.

Kwajkwan urged the South Sudanese government and the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize scientific research and development to tackle the nation’s agricultural challenges.

He stressed the need to boost agricultural productivity and work towards greater self-reliance.

Caritas Malakal has been instrumental in supporting local communities throughout South Sudan with initiatives in Food Security and Livelihood (FSL), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment.

The organization has also helped relocate vulnerable populations to safer areas, including Kaka, Kodok, and Malakal.