The Ministry of Agriculture in Western Equatoria State (WES) on Tuesday received a Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle donated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) and the World Bank to support agricultural programs, improve field monitoring, and enhance service delivery to farmers.
The vehicle was handed over by Dr. Meschack Malo, UNFAO Country Director, and Charles Undeland, World Bank Country Manager for South Sudan, to Leticia Gbafu, the state agriculture minister, during a briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Yambio.
Dr. Malo said the donation reflects FAO’s commitment to supporting the state, which he described as the “breadbasket of the country.”
“We believe in bringing cooperatives together, developing agricultural centers and stores, and assisting farmers with knowledge and practical support to improve their farming practices,” he said.
For his part, Undeland emphasized the importance of understanding the region’s needs.
“This is my first visit to Western Equatoria. I came to learn about the state government’s agricultural programs, the challenges faced in food security, and how we can contribute to strengthening agriculture here,” he said. “Western Equatoria has tremendous potential, and support is needed in infrastructure and farming initiatives.”
Meanwhile, State Agriculture Minister Gbafu lauded the donation, noting that mobility is essential for ministry staff.
“The Land Cruiser will allow us to reach extension workers, cooperatives, and farmers across the state,” she said. “We believe that with continued support from FAO and the World Bank, the state can produce more food to feed the state and the country.”
Officials at the ministry said the vehicle will strengthen ongoing agricultural initiatives and help promote food security in Western Equatoria.
On 16 October, FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Star Trust Organization (STO), commemorated World Food Day in the Western Equatoria State with calls for peace, collaboration, and stronger agricultural development to improve food security in the region.