Fight famine with farming in South Sudan

Severe flooding has returned to Fangak County, South Sudan for the fourth year in a row.  Foot paths now require canoes for travel.  So that is what we are using to distribute seeds and tools in an area called Pulpom.  Our team filled several canoes with watering cans, packages of seeds, hand tools, and of course themselves, and set out for a day long journey.  When they arrived in Pulpom they were greeted by dozens of villagers eager to begin farming small plots of land.  This area has a bit of higher ground.  The flooding is not as severe as our base in Old Fangak.  It means that there's land suitable to grow vegetables.  

Our process is simple and effective.  The families which express interest in farming gather in a central area.  If they are new to growing vegetables, like onions, watermelon, okra, and tomatoes, then our team teaches the group the basic techniques.  How to till the soil.  How to plant.  Best way to water.  As mentioned, it's simple, and nearly all the seeds distributed to the farmers will produce a harvest.  For experienced farmers we provide seedlings of fruit trees like papaya and mango.

During this visit to Pulpom we add 61 families to our growing number of farmers aided by the project.  That brings the total to 465 individual farmers.  The number of children in the families is close to 3,000.  Female farmers make up almost half of our total.

Fighting famine with farming is saving lives in South Sudan.  It's also producing a surprising (even to us) impact in the local economy.   We surveyed our farmers after the May 2022 harvest to find out the results of the spring planting.  On average each farmer sold over $900 of harvested fruits and vegetables in the local markets.  That is in addition to feeding themselves and their families.

You can be assured that the funds donated to this project are impacting lives in measurable and sustainable ways.  That brings us back to the title of this report.  Sowing Seeds of Hope in South Sudan.  Yes, we are fighting famine with farming.  We are also raising the hope quotient.  It may be the most important result of our efforts.  Hope for a better, healthier future.  Hope that your children will not be hungry tomorrow.

Thank you for supporting this project and the important work we do in South Sudan.  We could not do it without your help.