Western Equatoria State’s newly appointed minister of agriculture, forestry, and environment, Laetitia Benito Gbafu, has assumed office and unveiled a plan to strengthen farming activities across the state.
Speaking to reporters in Yambio, Gbafu pledged to work closely with ministry staff, development partners, and farmers to improve agricultural production and ensure food security.
“My priority is to understand the challenges facing our farmers and ministry systems, then deliver solutions that meet the needs of our people,” she said. Gbafu called on citizens to embrace farming as a tool to combat hunger and poverty.
Mariano Kumangu, director of environment in the state ministry, welcomed the new minister and promised full cooperation from staff. He cited delayed salaries as a key challenge affecting motivation but expressed hope that the issue would be addressed under the new leadership.
Gibson Friday John, director of agriculture, forestry, and environment, said 50 farmer groups and 100 individual farmers have already been registered under the ministry’s ongoing program to boost food production. He added that efforts are underway to coordinate with development partners, including the United Nations Development Program, the Food and Agriculture Organization, STO, GIZ, and World Vision, ahead of the second planting season.
Former Agriculture Minister Alison Baranaba, now serving as state minister of local government and law enforcement, urged technical staff and stakeholders to support Gbafu and continue advancing agricultural development in the state.
Western Equatoria is considered one of South Sudan’s key food-producing states.