South Sudan stands at a defining moment in its history. As the world’s youngest nation, its independence in 2011 brought a wave of optimism, unity, and expectation for a better future. Among the most promising sectors identified at the time was agriculture, widely recognized as the foundation for economic growth and national stability. With vast fertile land, abundant water resources, and a population largely dependent on subsistence farming, the country had the potential to become self-sufficient in food production and even a regional agricultural hub. The land stretches across expansive plains suitable for crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and agro-based industries. Rivers and seasonal rainfall provide favorable conditions for diverse agricultural activities. Yet, despite these natural advantages, the full potential of agriculture remains largely unrealized. This promise has been repeatedly undermined by cycles of conflict that continue to disrupt livelihoods, weaken institutions, and delay progress.
At the dawn of independence in South Sudan, there was a noticeable improvement in agricultural activity. Communities returned to their farms with renewed hope, and many households resumed cultivation after years of instability. Local markets began to revive, trade routes reopened, and food production gradually increased. Farmers expanded their cultivated areas and took advantage of improved security to invest labor in their fields. Favorable weather conditions combined with relative stability allowed for better harvests and increased availability of staple crops. Although the sector remained underdeveloped and faced structural challenges, the overall trajectory was encouraging. This period demonstrated that even modest peace could stimulate agricultural recovery and improve livelihoods. Between 2011 and 2013, there was a sense that the country was moving in the right direction, with agriculture playing a central role in shaping that progress.
This progress manifestation was brought to an abrupt halt with the outbreak of conflict in December 2013. Violence spread rapidly across key agricultural regions, displacing millions of people and forcing farmers to abandon their land. Productive areas that once contributed to local food supplies turned into zones of insecurity. Crops were left unharvested, livestock were lost or looted, and essential farming tools were destroyed. The agricultural calendar was disrupted, and entire planting seasons were missed. The loss of labor, destruction of assets, and breakdown of local markets led to a sharp decline in food production. Families who once depended on their own harvests became reliant on humanitarian assistance for survival. Food insecurity escalated rapidly, and the country began to experience repeated cycles of hunger and crisis that continue to affect millions of people today.
Moreso, South Sudan’s experience clearly illustrates that agriculture cannot thrive in an environment of instability. Farming depends on predictability, access to land, and the ability to move goods to markets. It requires confidence that crops planted today can be harvested tomorrow. Conflict erodes each of these conditions. When communities are displaced, fields remain uncultivated, and productive land lies idle. When roads are unsafe, traders cannot transport goods, and markets collapse. When insecurity persists, investment declines, and agricultural systems weaken. Young people, who form the backbone of the rural workforce, are often drawn into armed groups instead of contributing to food production. The result is a cycle in which conflict fuels hunger, and hunger deepens vulnerability, making recovery even more difficult.
Furthermore, across the world, countries that have achieved stability have demonstrated how agriculture can serve as a powerful engine for development. Rwanda, after the devastation of the 1994 genocide, rebuilt its agricultural sector through land reforms, targeted investment, and a strong commitment to peace. The country significantly increased agricultural productivity, reduced poverty, and improved food security. Ethiopia has also shown that sustained focus on agriculture can drive national growth. Through policies that support farmers, expand irrigation, and improve access to agricultural inputs, the country has strengthened resilience and reduced hunger in many regions. Vietnam provides another compelling example. After years of conflict, it prioritized agricultural development as part of its economic transformation, becoming one of the world’s leading exporters of rice and coffee. These examples reflect a consistent pattern in which peace creates the conditions for agriculture to flourish, while agricultural growth contributes to stability by creating jobs, reducing poverty, and fostering economic inclusion.
For South Sudan, the choice between conflict and agriculture carries profound consequences. Continued instability leads to destruction, displacement, and prolonged dependence on external assistance. It prevents communities from rebuilding and limits opportunities for economic advancement. In contrast, investing in agriculture offers a pathway to self-reliance, income generation, and long-term development. Farming provides households with food, supports local markets, and contributes to national economic growth. It creates opportunities for small businesses, from traders and transporters to processors and retailers. When individuals engage in productive agricultural activities, they contribute to the well-being of their communities and the stability of the nation as a whole.
Additionally, the role of young people is particularly important in this context. As the largest segment of the population, youth have the energy, creativity, and capacity to drive agricultural transformation. However, in the absence of meaningful opportunities, many are drawn into cycles of violence that further destabilize the country. Redirecting this energy toward agriculture can have far-reaching benefits. With access to land, tools, training, and financial support, young people can build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to national development. Agriculture can provide not only employment but also a sense of purpose and belonging. Empowering youth to engage in farming reduces the appeal of armed conflict and strengthens the foundations of peace.
Related to the above, agriculture also has the capacity to bring communities together. Shared economic activities encourage cooperation and mutual dependence. Farmers, traders, and consumers interact within markets that cut across social and ethnic lines, fostering understanding and unity. When communities work together to produce and trade food, they build relationships that reduce tensions and promote coexistence. Programs that support agriculture and livelihoods can strengthen these connections, helping to rebuild trust in areas affected by conflict. In this way, agriculture becomes more than a source of food; it becomes a platform for reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Worthwhile to mention, South Sudan possesses the resources needed to achieve agricultural success. Large areas of arable land remain uncultivated, offering significant expansion opportunities. Water resources are sufficient to support both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture. The country’s diverse ecological zones allow for the production of a wide range of crops and livestock. With improved infrastructure, better access to inputs, and supportive policies, agricultural output could increase substantially. However, these opportunities cannot be realized without sustained peace and stability. Investment depends on confidence, and confidence cannot exist in an environment of uncertainty and insecurity.
As much as South Sudan has been going through these tedious changes, it is worth articulating that the way forward requires a collective commitment to prioritize peace and development. Leaders at all levels must work to resolve conflicts and create conditions that allow communities to rebuild their lives. At the same time, greater emphasis should be placed on supporting agriculture through practical and inclusive interventions. Strengthening market systems, improving transportation networks, and enhancing access to agricultural services are essential steps toward revitalizing the sector. Providing farmers with seeds, tools, and training can help restore productivity, while expanding access to finance can enable them to invest in their livelihoods.
The experience of the past decade has shown both the potential and the cost of missed opportunities. The early years of independence offered a glimpse of what could be achieved when stability allows agriculture to grow. Communities experienced improved food availability, and local economies began to recover. The subsequent years of conflict demonstrated how quickly those gains can be reversed when insecurity takes hold. Fields were abandoned, markets collapsed, and millions were pushed into hunger. The lesson is clear and cannot be ignored. Sustainable development in South Sudan depends on a stable environment where agriculture can thrive.
Therefore, the future of the country lies not in continued conflict but in the productive use of its land and the resilience of its people. Choosing agriculture over violence is not only an economic decision but also a commitment to a more peaceful and secure society. By placing agriculture at the center of national priorities and ensuring that peace is maintained, South Sudan can move toward a future defined by growth, stability, and shared prosperity. The path forward requires determination, cooperation, and a shared vision of a nation where resources are used to build rather than destroy. When weapons are laid down and attention is turned to the land, the foundation for lasting peace and development can finally take root.
The writer is a social researcher and peace advocate. He can be reached via mogtomloyo@yahoo.co.uk.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.