Trainings and distribution of fishing kits promote food security and nutrition to displaced communities in South Sudan

Written by Felix Marttin

©FAO/FAOSouthSudan

In South Sudan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is working to promote sustainable development in the fishery sector and empower displaced communities through their dedicated fishery section. Adhering to the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), the fishery section of the FAO office in South Sudan aims to address both responsible fisheries and sustainable development, as well as ensuring an enabling environment and supporting implementation of the guidelines.

The FAO South Sudan fishery section has distributed fishing kits to displaced individuals and families, helping them secure food while promoting responsible resource management. By providing appropriate tools and training, the fishery section encourages sustainable fishing practices to maintain the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

In the Bor and Terekeka regions, the Fisher Community Resilience Project (FICREP) is being implemented, which aims to create sustainable livelihoods for community members. The project assist communities to reduce post-harvest losses, to improve fish processing techniques, and provides business skills training, fostering stable employment opportunities within the fishing sector. It also focuses on strengthening the entire value chain by enhancing post-harvest practices and promoting effective trade, enabling fishers to access better market opportunities and increase their income.

The FAO South Sudan fishery section is committed to gender equality, ensuring that both men and women have equal access to resources, training, and support. By providing fishing kits to those displaced by floods or conflict, they help communities adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and disasters. The FICREP further supports this effort by equipping fishers with the knowledge and tools needed to manage climate-related challenges.

Collaboration with national and local stakeholders, such as government agencies and NGOs, ensures a coordinated and coherent approach to implementing the SSF Guidelines in South Sudan. The fishery section actively shares information on their activities through various communication channels, raising awareness of the importance of small-scale fisheries in the region. Joint research projects between local universities (Juba University and John Garang Memorial University for Science and Technology (JGMUST)) and international institutions (like Wageningen University (NL), University of Bergen (NO), and Michigan State University (USA)) contribute to the development of a more substantial knowledge base on the fishery sector, allowing for more appropriate fishery management and ensuring the sector's sustainability.

Capacity development is a key aspect of the Fisher Community Resilience Project, providing technical training, business skills education, and other support to fishers. This empowers communities to take ownership of their development and fosters self-sufficiency.

By aligning their activities with the SSF Guidelines, the fishery section of the FAO South Sudan office is addressing immediate food security concerns and empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to create sustainable livelihoods. This holistic approach to fishery development in South Sudan demonstrates the vital role that the FAO plays in fostering sustainable growth and development worldwide. It also provides a valuable model for other regions facing similar challenges and highlights the potential of small-scale fisheries to contribute to global sustainable development goals. Through collaboration with local stakeholders and prioritizing capacity development, the fishery section is making a meaningful difference in the lives of displaced communities, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable future for South Sudan.