The World Food Programme (WFP) decided to support local farmers by buying their produce instead of distributing imported food in their emergency programmes.
GoSS Minister for Agriculture and Forestry represented the government of South Sudan at a WFP meeting in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.Anne Itto told journalist upon her arrival yesterday from Maputo that WFP sectors operating all over Africa met with donors to support their programme for the next two years.
Dr. Itto said WFP-South Sudan was buying food from east Africa claiming the produce in south Sudan was of poor quality and very expensive.
She added that in the Maputo meeting WFP agreed to buy food from local farmers in the countries they are operating instead of importing it.
Dr. Itto added that WFP supports farmers’ associations to build their capacities in other African countries.
She added that her ministry will make sure that UN agency would focus on building the capacity of farmers in south Sudan helping them selecting better seeds and more effective techniques.
Dr. Itto said that the government will provide leadership to make sure that those involved in production are contributing to improve their grain production so that they attract buyers like WFP and other interested partners.
She added that the government will also make sure that in the coming years there will be a strategic reserve of grain in place to meet emergencies and food shortages.