Joseph Amin Luka's journey to agricultural empowerment as a seed multiplier
In the sun-scorched lands of South Sudan, where the echoes of conflict and hardship linger in the air, one farmer's story stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit. Meet Joseph Amin Luka, a determined farmer from Lerwa Boma, whose life took a transformative turn thanks to the interventions of the Food and Nutrition Security Resilience Programme (FNS-REPRO). Farmers such as Joseph have been encountering enormous obstacles for generations, including economic downturns, climate-related shocks, and displacement caused by conflict. The shortage of high-quality seeds and planting materials has only added to their difficulties, limiting their ability to grow sufficient food for their families and communities.
Despite facing adversity, Joseph saw an opportunity to bring about change. As a seed multiplier, he realized the financial benefits of cultivating his seeds instead of purchasing them from expensive external sources. "I became a seed multiplier because it makes financial sense for me. I can earn money if I cultivate the grain and produce the seeds myself," explains Joseph. With determination and support from FNS-REPRO, Joseph embarked on a journey to transform his community's agricultural landscape. He grew maize, beans, and cassava, which were the staple crops of his community. Joseph faced many challenges, including pest infestations, manpower shortages, and unpredictable weather patterns. However, Joseph persevered, armed with new knowledge and innovative techniques taught through FNS-REPRO. He learned to optimize his crop yields and mitigate the impact of environmental uncertainties.
“It is important that I am able to produce seeds here,’ says Joseph. “When the seeds here are good, the farmers and people around can come and buy them here; they do not need to go far away. In this way, money can stay within the community. A lot of people here keep cattle rather than crops, so being able to grow maize and other crops will really benefit the community.”
Joseph's efforts have had a significant impact on Lerwa Boma. By producing high-quality seeds locally, he has secured food availability for his community and stimulated economic growth. This allows money to circulate within the community, empowering other farmers to thrive as well. Having gained access to new technologies and valuable knowledge through FNS-REPRO, Joseph has applied good agricultural practices and increased his productivity. With each successful harvest, Joseph's dreams grow more ambitious, envisioning a future where agriculture would sustain his family and pave the way for prosperity and education.
As Joseph reflects on his journey, he remains grateful for the support and guidance provided through FNS-REPRO. “The knowledge I gained from the project has been so beneficial. I want to do more and produce more seeds because I have seen how agriculture changes things and can make you money. There is an opportunity; if you sell seeds at the right time, you can make money,” he adds. With newfound confidence, Joseph dreams of expanding his agricultural endeavours, envisioning a future where he can cultivate vast acres of land, build a better home, and provide his children with the education they deserve.
In the heart of South Sudan, amidst the challenges of conflict and adversity, the story of Joseph Amin Luka serves as evidence of the impressive impact of agriculture in enhancing the resilience of agricultural livelihoods. It offers prosperity and opportunities for those who are most vulnerable.
About FNS-REPRO: The Food and Nutrition Security Resilience Programme (FNS-REPRO) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), funded by the Government of the Netherlands, is a four-year plan addressing the cause-effect relationship between conflict and food insecurity in Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan. In South Sudan, FNS-REPRO aims to increase community resilience and food security by improving seed accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality. The project strengthens formal and informal outlets to deliver improved agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers, develops institutional and organizational capacity, and conserves crop biodiversity to enhance seed and crop system resilience.