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WOMEN DRIVE SMART CLIMATE FARMING IN RUBKONA

Pakur, Rubkona ,South Sudan: A growing movement of women farmers in Pakur Boma, Rubkona Payam, is leading a shift toward climate-smart agriculture, thanks to a community-driven initiative aimed at improving food security and rebuilding livelihoods.

The program—implemented by Save the Children, Tearfund, Coalition for Humanity (CH), War Child Holland, and WOCO—has trained 100 farmers, including 65 women, in modern farming techniques, climate resilience, and small-scale agribusiness. Farmers also received improved seeds and basic tools to boost production.

According to Simon Khamis James Yambala, Food Security and Livelihoods Field Manager for CH, women form the backbone of the initiative.

“The group is dominated by women. We trained them on climate-smart practices and provided crops that can withstand flooding,” he said.

Farmers were introduced to flood-resistant varieties including rice, sugarcane, yams, and sweet potato vines. Rice has become a key focus due to its strong market demand in Rubkona. Women were also encouraged to grow vegetables at household level to support nutrition for children and lactating mothers.

Khamis noted that many of the women farmers are widows relying on agriculture to support school fees and basic medical care. He emphasized environmental conservation practices such as avoiding burning residues, planting fruit trees, and establishing community woodlots.

He appealed to government and donors to invest in land reclamation to increase available farmland for flood-affected communities.

Tapisa Nyankuan, chairlady of the Pakur Farmers Group, called for additional support including more tools, improved seeds, and irrigation pumps to sustain production through the dry season.

Her appeal comes as Rubkona continues to face the effects of flooding, displacement, and economic hardship, which have significantly disrupted farming activities.

Local leaders praised the initiative for strengthening women’s economic roles.

“Empowering women farmers is not just about food production it uplifts entire households,” one official said.

Since January 2024, the broader program has promoted women and youth leadership, peace dialogues, better natural resource management, entrepreneurship, and access to clean water.

Placing women at the center of agriculture is helping Pakur Boma build resilience and recover from years of conflict and climate shocks.