Natural resources provide key assets and livelihood security for people living in rural areas. ©FAO/Andreea Campeanu

From 15 to 17 July 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, conducted the online Training of Trainers (ToT) programme ‘Introduction to managing disputes and conflicts over natural resources."

Fifteen partners from Aweil, Abyei and Yambio involved in peacebuilding mechanisms and at the forefront of managing disputes and conflicts over natural resources within their communities, met online to analyze the underlying causes of disputes and conflicts related to natural resources, with a view to identifying the appropriate entry point for mediation.

Following the training, participants emphasized the need to identify equitable sharing arrangements and to raise awareness on sustainable practices that will allow all parties to increase the quality of natural resources. These recommendations were seen as potential ways of ensuring a win-win situation whereby all parties benefit in the long run.

Disputes and conflicts over natural resources, particularly those related to access and management of traditional grazing lands and agricultural lands, water rights and forests remain a fundamental challenge to peace and stability. 

“Strengthening local governance systems, building trust and ensuring peaceful and equitable access to natural resources are essential to peace, stability, food security and to ensure that children of future generations will reap the benefits of their land,” said Alemu Manni, FAO Chief Technical Advisor of the Cross-border project in South Sudan funded by the European Union.

Natural resources, especially in the context of South Sudan, provide key assets and livelihood security for people living in rural areas. Up to 95 percent of the population still depend on farming, fishing, herding and fuel collection and production to meet their food and income needs. Equitable and safe access to natural resources (land, water, and forests) is therefore key to ensuring food security, livelihoods, energy sufficiency, and sustaining the environment.

Building on the critical need to support improved agricultural practices and the sustainable use of natural resources, FAO supports communities and stakeholders in improving governance and management practices related to natural resources with a view to supporting efforts aimed at minimizing disputes and conflicts, build trust on sharing of natural resources among communities and peaceful co-existence.

Natural resources, especially in the context of South Sudan, provide key assets and livelihood security for people living in rural areas. Up to 95 percent of the population still depend on farming, fishing, herding and fuel collection and production to meet their food and income needs. Equitable and safe access to natural resources (land, water, and forests) is therefore key to ensuring food security, livelihoods, energy sufficiency, and sustaining the environment.

Building on the critical need to support improved agricultural practices and the sustainable use of natural resources, FAO supports communities and stakeholders in improving governance and management.