 officially handed over the National Entomology Laboratory to South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in a ceremony held in Juba on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.){kind=link}
The World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) officially handed over the National Entomology Laboratory to South Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in a ceremony held in Juba on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The laboratory, located in Kapuri, Juba, was transferred to the Directorate of Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It is dedicated to the scientific study of insects and arthropods, with a focus on protecting crops from harmful pests that threaten food security across the country.
The facility was constructed, furnished, and equipped with support from the World Bank as part of the Emergency Locust Response Project (ELRP). This project, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and implemented by the FAO, aims to strengthen South Sudan’s capacity to address agricultural challenges, particularly those posed by locusts and other crop-damaging insects.
During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, praised the World Bank for its continued support of South Sudan’s development, especially in the critical area of food security.
“The establishment of this laboratory marks a significant step forward in our efforts to safeguard crops and enhance food security in South Sudan,” said Minister Akol. “I urge the Directorate of Plant Protection to maximize the potential of this facility for robust insect research and to play an integral role in ensuring the nation’s agricultural stability.”
The event was attended by Charles Undeland, the World Bank Country Manager for South Sudan, and Meshack Malo, the UN FAO Country Representative for South Sudan, both of whom expressed their continued commitment to supporting South Sudan’s agricultural development.
“This laboratory will be a critical tool in strengthening South Sudan’s ability to manage pest outbreaks, which directly affect food production and security,” said Charles Undeland. “We remain committed to supporting South Sudan in its agricultural growth and resilience.”
Meshack Malo added, “The successful establishment of this lab is a testament to the importance of collaborative efforts between international partners and the South Sudanese government in addressing food security challenges.”
The National Entomology Laboratory will serve as a vital resource for research and training, equipping South Sudan with the necessary tools to combat agricultural pests and protect its crops from devastating outbreaks.