GIZ equips Yei, Magwi farmers with 12 grinding machines to boost agriculture
By Liam Josh
Smallholder farmers in Yei and Magwi counties have received 12 cereal-grinding machines from the German development agency, GIZ, in a move aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving household incomes.
The equipment was handed over under the Improved Living Conditions and Psychosocial Support (ILiPS) project, implemented by GIZ South Sudan on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
According to GIZ, the machines were distributed to 12 farmer groups, each comprising 25 members. Women account for 60 per cent of the selected beneficiaries, highlighting the project’s focus on strengthening women’s participation in agricultural livelihoods.
The machines are expected to reduce the time and labour required for cereal processing, lower operational costs, improve the value of agricultural produce and create opportunities for sustainable income generation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, GIZ Agricultural Advisor Ramson Duku said the support was intended to strengthen household livelihoods and promote self-reliance among beneficiary communities.
“This support is intended to provide beneficiaries with practical tools that can contribute to increased household income and improved resilience,” Duku said.
He urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the equipment, maintain it properly and ensure its sustainable use for the benefit of their families and communities.
Beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, saying the machines would ease cereal processing, improve productivity and provide opportunities to generate additional income.
The handover ceremony brought together representatives of GIZ South Sudan, implementing partners, local authorities, community members and beneficiary groups.
GIZ said follow-up support would be provided to encourage the effective and sustainable use of the equipment.
The distribution forms part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural livelihoods, improve access to agricultural services and promote climate-smart farming practices among smallholder farmers in Yei and Magwi counties.
The ILiPS project supports returnees, internally displaced persons and host communities by promoting agricultural production, food security, access to cereal value-addition equipment and psychosocial support services.
Through its work with local institutions, communities and development partners, GIZ continues to support rural development, food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural systems and community resilience in South Sudan.