The Acting Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Hon. William Angelo Geri, has called on development partners to prioritize investment in the agricultural sector, aiming to upgrade agriculture’s contribution to at least 10% of the state’s economy, in line with the Maputo Protocol.
Speaking during the launch of the Community-Driven Rural Development Project in Torit, Hon. Geri—who also serves as the state minister for Animal Resources, Livestock, and Fisheries—emphasized the importance of redirecting focus to the state’s fertile regions such as Torit and Magwi counties.
“Torit and Magwi are our green belts, ideal for agriculture. Agriculture isn’t just about planting seeds—it involves roads, storage, marketing, and more. As a government, we encourage communities to allocate budgets to agriculture and urge our partners to raise support to 10%. Currently, we are only at 2%.”
Also speaking at the launch, Mrs. Anna Itwari, Director at the State Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the project will enhance food production and food security in the state.
“This project will significantly increase food production. Our priority is to train farmers and ensure ministry priorities are aligned with the community’s needs.”
Meanwhile, Torit County Commissioner Hon. Christopher Andrew blamed the country’s ongoing economic crisis on neglect of the agricultural sector in favor of oil.
“Torit County can become South Sudan’s breadbasket. Our economy suffers because we rely solely on oil. Agriculture sustained old Sudan—it can do the same for South Sudan.”
The project, funded with 48 million Euros from GIZ, Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), and the European Union, aims to improve food and nutritional security, income generation, natural resource management, and climate resilience across the state.