Yambio, South Sudan — The government of Western Equatoria State and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Thursday commemorated World Food Day 2025 with a strong call for peace, cooperation, and collective efforts to boost food security in the state.
The event, held at Yambio Freedom Square under the global theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” drew hundreds of participants, including government officials, U.N. agencies, non-governmental organizations, and farmers’ groups.
Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona emphasized that lasting peace is essential for agricultural growth and survival.
“Food is life, and without peace, we cannot cultivate or feed ourselves,” Marona said. “I call upon the youth and those holding guns to silence them so our farmers can grow enough food.”
State Minister of Agriculture Benito Letecia Gbafu echoed the call for unity, stressing that the transformation of South Sudan’s food system requires collective effort.
“No one can transform the food system alone,” Gbafu said. “We must all — farmers, youth, women, partners and government — join hands.”
Gbafu urged communities to promote local crops, protect natural resources, and empower women and youth, whom she described as the backbone of agriculture and rural livelihoods.
James Denis, FAO’s Field Office Coordinator in Western Equatoria, reminded participants that this year marks 80 years since FAO’s founding, highlighting its commitment to eradicating hunger.
“This year’s theme is a call to action,” he said. “We must unite our efforts so that every child, woman and farmer has access to safe and nutritious food.”
Joel Binza from the Star Trust Organization connected food insecurity with conflict, saying hunger cannot be eliminated without peace.
“Hunger is not just a lack of food — it is a lack of peace and opportunity,” Binza said. “Let food be our bridge to peace and agriculture our path to prosperity.”
The celebration concluded with renewed commitments from partners to strengthen cooperation and support local farmers through climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Insecurity in parts of Western Equatoria remains a major obstacle to agricultural productivity, as tensions between government forces and opposition groups continue to undermine peace efforts.
Leave a Reply