The recurrent floods in South Sudan have left deep imprints on communities. With each rainy season, rivers overflow, spilling onto vast stretches of land. These floods, now an anticipated cycle, displace families from their homes and devastate infrastructure and agriculture.

In our effort to empower communities to adapt to the impacts of extreme weather and alleviate hunger, we collaborated with the World Food Programme to introduce rice cultivation - a crop well-suited to the water-logged fields of South Sudan. Through a demonstration garden, groups of farmers were equipped with the skills to cultivate and nurture rice plants. With seeds provided early in the year, these communities
witnessed an incredible harvest six months later, yielding 1,440 kilograms of grain.

Reflecting on the transformation, 40-year-old Garang Bol Maye, his hands brimming with healthy rice ears, expressed his newfound dedication to rice farming. His village, previously devastated by floods that wiped out their sorghum crops, now embraces this resilient crop with joy.

“We were amazed that we could harvest so much, compared to sorghum which did not yield as much in the same size of land,” shares Garang, “the training will stay with us even if you leave. The hunger will go somewhere else. We are so happy for all these activities and we will ensure it goes beyond our fedan [plot].”

Community leader John Ayat Lual echoes this sentiment of hope and transformation. “You have taught us new things and we have established other farms at home,” he shares, highlighting the ripple effect of training
and care within the community.

Embracing change and armed with new skills, this community envisions a future where rice farming sustains their families and builds resilience. With our commitment to weather resilient solutions, we are working to ensure that these communities aren’t just enduring challenges but are actively adapting to the impacts of extreme weather, moving forward toward a resilient future where all African communities are enabled to thrive.