Seasonal workers harvest sorghum in Dali countryside| Photo Credit

JUBA, July 21, 2026 — The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of South Sudan have launched a US$41.8 million project aimed at improving food security, strengthening climate resilience and supporting rural livelihoods across the country.

The Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) is expected to benefit more than 110,000 people by increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening resilience to climate shocks and improving access to markets and agricultural services.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, IFAD Country Director in South Sudan Caroline Mwongera said the project is intended to support climate-resilient food systems and rural livelihoods in a country affected by conflict and climate-related challenges.

“SADEP advances climate-resilient food systems, strengthens livelihoods in fragile settings, and places rural communities at the centre. In a context like South Sudan, sustained and predictable financing is essential to translate these gains into long-term stability and food security,” Mwongera said.

According to IFAD, the project will focus on developing sustainable sorghum and fisheries value chains, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding access to finance, markets and agricultural extension services.

The initiative will also support the rehabilitation of fisheries infrastructure, including ice plants, landing sites and storage facilities, as South Sudan works toward increasing fish production.

The project will target areas with high levels of poverty and vulnerability, with women, young people and other vulnerable groups identified as priority beneficiaries through a community-driven approach.

IFAD said about 18,700 households will receive support to improve nutrition through the distribution of nutrient-rich crops and activities aimed at strengthening natural resource management.

The project will also support technical training in seed production and fish handling, strengthen national and local institutions, and contribute to the development of policies intended to improve climate resilience and agricultural productivity.

Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec said the initiative supports the government’s efforts to strengthen food production and reduce reliance on humanitarian assistance.

“This project advances our national priorities to transition from humanitarian dependence to resilient and productive food systems. In partnership with IFAD, SADEP will empower farmers, fishers, women, and youth to strengthen livelihoods, with a clear commitment to scale results nationwide,” Nyikwec said.

The project is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility with US$8.9 million through the Strengthening Adaptation through Institutional Building and Resilient Livelihoods in South Sudanese Agro-pastoral Landscapes (SABRELA) project.

It will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the International Fertilizer Development Center and Welthungerhilfe.