Women in Akobo that have joined an agriculture demonstration farm program established by Oxfam’s local partner, say they have felt encouraged to start their own gardens – thanks to their new found skill in farming. 

Rhoda Nyathuok, a mother of six joined learning at the demonstration-farm in 2024 and has since set up her own vegetable garden – from which she makes sales. 

“I’m so lucky that I made the decision to be a member of this farmers group. Because with the knowledge I received, and seeing how the vegetables are flourishing this has motivated me to start my own farm,” she says. 

Like thousands of other women in Akobo and most parts of South Sudan, Rhoda finds pleasure in seeing smiles in the face of her children and everyone within her household – regardless of how hard she has to work to make it. 

“Before joining the group, I would go every day to the bush to collect firewood despite the danger of being bitten by snakes or injuring myself because I will need to cut some branches.” She explained. 

The bushes she goes to, sometimes are grounds for youth from rival communities – who do spare no moment to raid cattle. 

Setting up a garden has saved her the instances of having to wonder into the bushes, as she concentrates on tending her crops. 

“Here we have planted Amaranthus, eggplants, Jute Mellon, cucumber, watermelon, and peas. These vegetables and fruits have really supported us as a group and individually as well. I manage to get greens from the farm to feed my family and the watermelon for my children to eat. I’m happy because now my children are eating healthy, and they are looking very healthy too.” She explained. 

Watermelon at the farm. Photo credit : Yangi Teresa/ Oxfam

A watermelon grown in the farm. Photo credit: Yangi Teresa/ Oxfam

The set-up of the demonstration farm and support to the farmers is made possible with support from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). 

The project ‘Combatting Food Insecurity Amongst the most Vulnerable Communities of South Sudan’ aims at Improving food security through increased access to and availability of nutritious food for 21,200 most vulnerable individuals in Akobo East and Nyirol Counties of Jonglei state. The project is being implemented in partnership with Community Initiative for Development Organization (CIDO) in Akobo East and Nyirol counties.