Aweil East County legislature, Anei Deng Akok, raised alarm over the outbreak of insect pests in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State.

By Aguok Chok

Farmers in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal are facing a new agricultural challenge as milkweed bugs, a type of crop-damaging insect, continue to spread across fields in Aweil West and Aweil North. But instead of succumbing to panic or solely relying on external aid, voices on the ground are calling for a thoughtful, research-based response—one that integrates scientific innovation with traditional farming wisdom.

National MP Anei Deng Akok, who represents Aweil East County, acknowledged the severity of the situation but emphasized that South Sudan is not without options.

“Yes, the pests are a threat to food security,” said Anei in an interview with The City Review.

Upon further research, the writer found that, in fact, we do have knowledge—old and new—that we can draw on to manage this challenge responsibly.”

Learning from the Past

Long before the introduction of chemical pesticides, indigenous communities across South Sudan used natural repellents to protect their crops. Farmers employed ash, neem leaves, hot pepper extracts, and intercropping techniques to keep insect populations at bay. These methods, while often overlooked in modern discussions, are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe for both people and the environment.

Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and local agricultural extension officers have begun revisiting these traditional strategies. “We need to return to the fields not only with chemicals, but with memory,” said a senior agronomist based in Wau. “Ash, smoke, and certain plant mixtures have long been used to repel pests. Let’s validate and scale what works.”

Exploring Bio-Control and Eco-Friendly Solutions

In light of environmental concerns and the global shift away from harmful pesticides, bio-control offers promising alternatives. This includes introducing natural predators of the milkweed insect, deploying insect-repelling companion crops, and even using organic sprays derived from neem or garlic.

Anei also emphasized the need for trained personnel to guide any pesticide application should it be deemed necessary. “If we are to use chemical control, it must be under strict supervision—by trained agricultural officers who understand both the risks and how to mitigate them.”

The Role of Local Government and Communities

The State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has already taken steps by escalating the issue to national authorities and development partners. But beyond that, local communities are being encouraged to form farmer field schools and pest surveillance groups, sharing both indigenous techniques and new findings from agricultural experts.

“This is not a moment to beg,” Anei remarked. “It is a moment to think, to plan, and to build local systems that are resilient and self-reliant.”

A Call to Collaboration—Not Dependency

While development partners like the FAO and NGOs have a role to play in supporting pest management efforts, the emphasis, according to local leaders, must shift from emergency response to capacity-building. Training, seed support, and knowledge exchange are viewed as more sustainable than repeated interventions.

As South Sudan navigates the twin pressures of climate change and growing food demand, this incident in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal may become a model for how to confront crises with a long-term mindset.

“We need to empower farmers with the tools, old and new, to protect what they grow,” concluded Anei. “It’s not just about preventing hunger today—it’s about securing harvests for generations to come.”