By Emmanuel Mandella
YAMBIO – The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has distributed agricultural tools to farmers in Naakiri Village, Yambio Municipality, in a bid to strengthen small-scale farming and promote food security.
The distribution followed a visit by Bishop Hiiboro and a delegation of government and community leaders to the farm of Ms. Bianca, a young woman recognized for her dedication to commercial cash crop farming.
Among those accompanying the bishop were Western Equatoria State Minister of Agriculture Alison Barnaba, Yambio County Youth Chairperson Bage Jonathan, and Chairperson of the Western Equatoria Chamber of Commerce Salah Badagbu. The delegation praised Ms. Bianca’s entrepreneurial spirit, calling her a role model for young people and women across the state.
“Farming is the backbone of our society,” said Bishop Hiiboro. “If we want to reduce poverty and build a peaceful, educated community, we must start by supporting our farmers and encouraging youth to work the land. Like education, agriculture is a tool for empowerment.”
The bishop also reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting both agriculture and education as key pillars of community development. Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as a sign of growing collaboration between faith institutions, government, and the private sector in improving rural livelihoods.