Western Bahr el Ghazal’s Jur River County Commissioner and prominent farmer in Santino Manut Akec has called on South Sudanese politicians, youth, and women to invest in agriculture, arguing that farming offers a sustainable path to combating hunger, creating jobs, and reducing violence.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday from his farm in Marail-Bai Payam, Akec cited his own large-scale farming venture as proof of agriculture’s potential to transform livelihoods.

He said he has cultivated about 4,010 hectares of land this year and currently employs 150 workers.

According to Akec, his farm produced 750 sacks of groundnuts and 500 bags of sorghum during the previous harvest season. He said the produce has been sold in local markets and to humanitarian organizations purchasing seeds.

Although last season’s harvest was affected by an early end to the rainy season, Akec said the experience reinforced the importance of investing in agriculture despite climate-related challenges.

“I started with 3,500 hectares, but the rains ended early and affected the harvest,” he said. “Even so, farming continues to provide food, employment, and hope for our communities.”

Akec said he began farming in 2008 on a much smaller scale and has gradually expanded his operations over the years.

He credited President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s repeated calls for citizens to embrace agriculture, saying the government’s encouragement has inspired more people to return to farming.

“We thank the Government of South Sudan because President Salva Kiir has consistently encouraged citizens to engage in farming,” Akec said. “I started farming in 2008 with only a few workers, and today my farm employs 150 people.”

The commissioner urged young people to abandon cattle raiding and other forms of violence, describing agriculture as a more productive and peaceful way to build wealth.

“I want to tell our youth not to engage in cattle raiding or killing people in search of riches,” he said. “Let us turn to farming because it is through agriculture that we can fight hunger and improve our lives.”

Akec also challenged politicians to invest their resources in productive agricultural ventures within South Sudan instead of keeping their wealth outside the country.

“I am calling on our politicians to come out and invest in farming instead of keeping their resources abroad,” he said. “If leaders invest in agriculture, they will create jobs, increase food production, and strengthen our economy.”

South Sudan has vast areas of fertile land and abundant water resources, yet agricultural production remains below its potential due to conflict, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and the effects of climate change. Government officials and development partners have increasingly promoted agriculture as a key pillar for improving food security, reducing dependence on imports, and creating employment opportunities across the country.

Akec’s appeal comes as communities across South Sudan continue preparations for the current farming season amid renewed calls for greater public and private investment in agriculture to address persistent food insecurity and build long-term economic resilience.