Imagine a farmer standing at the edge of a flooded field, the soil waterlogged from relentless rains. Crops meant to sustain his family for months lost before harvest. In South Sudan, climate change is rapidly reshaping the land—erratic rainfall, rising floodwaters, higher temperatures, and unpredictable seasons threaten the crops that communities rely on for survival.
Food insecurity remains a daily challenge for many, but with access to sustainable farming methods, improved strategies and tools, and community-driven farming programs, families who need it can grow enough food to feed their families, raise livestock, earn an income, and end the painful experience of poverty and hunger.
Friends in Solidarity is committed to supporting this positive change in South Sudan.
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
Psalm 85:12
At the heart of this effort is the Sustainable Agriculture Project in Riimenze (SAP-R), a program that provides farmers with the skills, tools, and knowledge to feed their families, strengthen their communities, and build a more self-reliant South Sudan. What began in 2011 as a simple effort to reclaim land has grown into a thriving project that trains farmers in sustainable methods, introduces improved seed varieties, and promotes strategic approaches to agriculture that help safeguard against the ravages of climate change.
The overall scope and impact of SAP-R includes education to combat malnutrition, with workshops teaching mothers how to prepare nutrient-rich meals using moringa, soy and peanut based supplements, honey, and locally sourced ingredients. Animal husbandry and beekeeping are also taught. In 2023 alone, 300 children received enhanced nutrition services, with nearly 200 recovering from malnutrition.
The St. Paul Nursery in Riimenze provides education, nourishment, and care for vulnerable children from its environs as part of the community-based initiatives in Riimenze. The nursery ensures that young children receive early childhood education and nutritious meals, creating a solid foundation for future learning.
This program is particularly critical in South Sudan where malnutrition and food insecurity remain prevalent, and access to early education is limited. By providing structured learning, loving social support, and a safe environment, St. Dominic Nursery serves as a lifeline for these children.
The small business initiative focuses on women empowerment by providing financial literary classes and seed money to start business ventures that can supplement a family’s income.
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Current Participants in 20230
Tons of Food Produced Since Inception
Planting New Seeds
Many farmers struggle with post-harvest losses due to limited storage options, while others face difficulties accessing quality seeds and fertilizers or contend with the challenges of unpredictable weather.
Through ongoing training and outreach campaigns, farmers in South Sudan are learning to navigate these challenges and become more self-sufficient. Local communities are regaining food security and families are raising healthier, happier children, finding strength in independence, and hope in each harvest.
Stories of Change
SAP-R Newsletters
Partner Spotlight
Friends in Solidarity (FiS) is the U.S.-based partner of Solidarity with South Sudan (SwSS), supporting its mission to provide education, healthcare, pastoral formation, and agricultural training across the country. SwSS unites priests, brothers, sisters, and lay professionals to equip teachers, nurses, midwives, and faith leaders, ensuring even remote communities have access to vital services.
Through a capacity-building model, SwSS empowers South Sudanese citizens with the skills to rebuild their nation. FiS strengthens these efforts by raising awareness, particularly in the United States, and securing resources to sustain this work.
