Hope and resilience in defeating challenges: Amos’s story of transformation
Amos Anisa lives with his wife and five children in the lush lands of Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, in southwestern South Sudan, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The county falls within the equatorial maize and cassava livelihoods zone. Like much of the Equatoria region, residents of Yambio County are primarily agrarians, with an estimated 80 percent of households engaged in agriculture.
Amos, who has been a resident and farmer in the area for more than seven years, could only get limited income from his produce, despite managing a sizable piece of land (about one hectare).
He struggled with record-keeping, making it difficult for him to track his production quantity and income. Additionally, he lacked knowledge about seed varieties, unsure which ones were optimal for his circumstances.
A couple of years back, when he was facing a tough financial situation, one of his children became sick. “I could not afford the necessary medication,” he shares, gazing down at the ground.
In 2023, Amos was selected to be part of the Building Resilient Livelihoods to Threats and Crises in South Sudan project, generously funded by Norway. Amos was registered to a cooperative and opted to undertake vegetable production, specifically okra, as he saw this as a viable activity.
Through the project, Amos learned about improved cultivation techniques, pest management, economic analysis, and market linkages.
“Thanks to the knowledge shared by FAO, I’ve managed to boost my production,” Amos reflects. From a 20 by 20-metre block, he can produce 240kg of okra, which can be sold at SSP 500 per kg at the market in Yambio Town, an important market hub for the western part of the country.
FAO has also taught him how to keep a record of costs and profits.
Amos has passed on this knowledge to friends and family, and he notices how farmers in the vicinity now come to him for guidance. “Farmers seek my help because they see the success I’ve achieved,” he remarks.
With the improved income following FAO’s intervention, he now provides his children with a diverse diet, including eggs, milk, and fish, along with necessary medications when needed. He is also saving up to buy a secondhand motorbike to help him transport his produce to Yambio Town. “I’m grateful to FAO for their support,” he says, “and we hope for further support to do more.”
Amos’s story of transformation resonates with hope and resilience. Overcoming challenges in agriculture and financial struggles, he found a new path through the Building Resilient Livelihoods to Threats and Crises in South Sudan project. With newfound knowledge and skills from FAO, Amos not only increased his okra production but also became a beacon of support for fellow farmers. Today, he embodies the spirit of progress and community empowerment.