[Second to the far right): Thuck Ajak, co-founder of United African Farm at his farm in Australia. (Courtesy).

A young South Sudanese Australian has initiated a farming enterprise that encourages Africans in the diaspora to preserve crops of their cultural significance and contribute to a positive narrative towards migrants.    

Thuch Ajak, 36, is the co-founder of United African Farm, an initiative that brings together members of the African community in Victoria, Australia to grow culturally appropriate crops, share their culture, and bridge the inter-generational and cultural gaps.

He said the enterprise has created employment opportunities to young South Sudanese from various communities and as well enhance harmony among themselves.

“We have people that have been employed, we have young people that are taking up roles within the farm and they are getting engaged so they are contributing to the society,” he told Eye Radio.

According to him, they are also planning to establish a space where South Sudan-born Australians shall have the opportunities to learn about their origin.

“We have a community space in which we plan to build some African art, something that can draw people closer to their origin, can make even young people, small kids that are born there to see that Africaness in them.”

“…the stories a lot of cultural experience that are shared in those arts, like now, when you come to South Sudan, basically what comes to your mind are those African arts, animals and all of that so having that will be the basis of culture.”

“On the other side, it is a produce garden whereby we are growing varieties of vegetables; we are looking like putting in things like Okra because it is not easy to find Okra there.”

In 2019, Thuch and other co-founders started the nonprofit farming initiative with one hectare and later expanded to 3 hectares where they are plant various African vegetables.

The initiative also enables South Sudanese and other African communities in Australia meet and exchange ideas about their culture.

According to him, empowering young South Sudanese Australian through agriculture is contributing positively to the economy both at individual level, and in the two countries.

“It really sends a positive narratives and positive contribution and our stability back in Australia it can really mean a lot to stability back here in South Sudan.” he said.

Thuch holds Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in crop protection from University of Upper Nile, Renk in 2013.

The father of three said he also works as Senior Partnership Advisor at the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre where he works closely with refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.

Additionally, Thuch runs a weekly Radio program on Casey Radio 97.7 FM which enables South Sudanese community in Melbourne celebrates their diversity and listen to different South Sudanese traditional songs.

He said South Sudanese in Australia are now engaging in successful businesses and programs that changes negative perception towards them in diaspora.

“South Sudanese are really running successful organizations, they are running successful companies and businesses and all of that contributes to the positive narratives that we as South Sudanese are peace loving people, we are here contributing to a nation building.”

Thuck said he intend to come back and revive his Agro-shop which he had eight years ago along the Tambura Road in Juba.

According to him, there is need to improve security in the farming areas a way to attract investors and also enable young South Sudanese ventured in agriculture.

“For the people to have the opportunity, to have the edge, there have to be services, there have to be opportunity, there have to be security there are a lot that can force someone to start farming.”

“I basically have a great idea of where the support is really needed but sometimes some of these can be driven by other nongovernmental organizations or also the government but there have to be a platform, there have to be a grantee, there have to be a security.”

“Even me when I come now, where will I start? I will have to look for land,” Thuch stated.

Thuch says though farming is hard for some people to practice, he believes through resilience, commitment and dedication can enable them do better.

“Agriculture is not something a lot of people would like to hear or to be participating in it is good when somebody is saying it but for people to go to the ground, you take a hoe and you start digging people think it is a dirty work, it is a hard work that perception is not only in South Sudan but it is everywhere.”

“Young people can learn a lot. It is a story of resilient, it is story of commitment [and] dedication, going to a new country and start to think.”