July 25, 2024

Embarking on a Transformative Journey: EKN’s Joint Monitoring Mission in South Sudan

Staple Crops

On July 2nd, 2024, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands (EKN) embarked on a significant journey to South Sudan. Their aim: to conduct a joint monitoring mission of EKN-funded projects, with a particular focus on Yambio in the Western Equatoria State. This included a close look at the partnership between Eden Multipurpose Marketing Cooperative Society and 2SCALE.

The monitoring team comprised, Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Laila Bouallouch, the First Secretary Development Cooperation, Richard Aludra, the Program Officer for the water program in the EKN, Frits van der Wal, the International Cooperation and Globalization (IGG) focal point in South Sudan, Antje van Driel, the IGG focal point in South Sudan, and Martijn Moonen, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Private Sector Development (PSD) coach.

The mission's primary objective was for the IGG team to engage in detailed discussions with the team in Juba, particularly on the livelihood cluster and the developments in the IGG portfolio and to monitor Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) activities on the ground. This provided an invaluable opportunity for EKN to deepen its understanding of centrally funded International Cooperation and Globalization programs. At the same time, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency team concentrated on surveillance of Private Sector Development activities to recognize and promote the possible synergies between private sector development and food security and nutrition. This was important to establish whether the projects were meeting their objectives and acting as part of the sustainable development process.

Furthermore, the delegates sought to establish areas of common interest and synergies between the key projects being assessed. This included sharing information on how the triple Nexus, a future of programmatic configuration involving humanitarian, development and peacebuilding, could be implemented. The team also looked at the possible partnerships with other like-minded donors to improve the effectiveness of such programs. Another topic was the appropriateness of Yambio and Nzara for nexus programming, the goal of which was to focus further investments into a single, multi-sectoral program that would yield significant impacts for the communities.

Engaging with the Community

During their mission, the delegation had the opportunity to engage with the management of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and various stakeholders, focusing on the effectiveness of the PPP in enhancing productivity, market access, and income generation for smallholder farmers in Yambio. These interactions provided valuable insights into the real impact of the projects on the ground.

One of the highlights of the visit was the interaction with Mr Alex Madi Ismail, the General Manager of Eden Multipurpose Marketing Cooperative Society. Mr Ismail expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands through the 2SCALE program. He shared how this support has been pivotal in transforming their business from grain production to processing and milling maize flour.

Mr Ismail emphasized that the program has enabled them to supply maize flour to Base of Pyramid consumers through various retail outlets in Yambio markets. This transformation has not only improved the local food supply but has also created multiple job opportunities for the youth, including roles as machine operators (millers), distributors, extension agents, and agribusiness cluster coaches, all of whom play crucial roles in facilitating supply chain coordination.

The delegation learned that through the training programs provided by 2SCALE, members of the cooperative gained valuable skills in accessing finance. These skills led to the formation of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) within the cooperative movement. The VSLAs have assumed the role of enabling farmers to get the finance needed to procure the right agricultural inputs, which has allowed for enhanced yields and quality of the grains being produced.

Farmers are now able to access larger markets for their produce, which has boosted their sales and enhanced the economic viability of the community,

Mr Ismail proudly shared.

The delegation commended the efforts made by Eden Multipurpose Marketing Cooperative Society in responding to the real concern of the public by putting in the market affordable locally manufactured maize flour products. They urged the cooperative to ensure that women and the youth are also included in the value chain process of production and marketing.

Reflecting on the Journey

This trip was no ordinary visit, but rather a discovery, learning and rekindling process on the transformational impact on the lives of actors in agricultural value chains through the program. This mission has revealed the potential for efficient, community-driven interventions against poverty and unemployment to spur sustainable development and economic growth within contexts such as Yambio.

The mission concluded with a sense of optimism and commitment to continue supporting these transformative initiatives. The team from EKN departed with a more profound insight into the experiences and achievements on the ground as it prepares it for a better understanding of future programmatic initiatives for the people of South Sudan.

As the EKN team reflects on their visit, the words of Mr Ismail resonate:

The support enabled us to transform and grow, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our cooperative, enhancing the livelihoods and futures of our entire community.

This testament is proof of the inclusive agribusiness transformation happening in South Sudan. It is a call to investors and donor organizations to invest a lot more in the country.

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