OFAO Seed Fair Promotes Food Security and Resilience in Yei, South Sudan August 2026
As part of its efforts to strengthen food security, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience, the Organization for Agricultural Opportunities (OFAO) has launched a Seed Fair under the Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project in Yei Town Payam.
The activity began on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, covering Yei Town, Jansuk, and Minyori Bomas, and is supporting vulnerable communities, including returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities.Through the Seed Fair, community members—including women, men, youth groups, peace clubs, cooperatives, farmer groups, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and other community-based groups—are being supported with access to seeds and agricultural tools to strengthen household food production and livelihoods.
Supporting Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods
Access to quality seeds and agricultural tools is an important step towards helping households increase food production and improve their livelihoods. The initiative enables community members to engage in agricultural activities while strengthening their capacity to become more self-reliant.The Seed Fair also promotes environmental sustainability. Tree seedlings are being provided to support environmental restoration, climate resilience, and the development of greener and more sustainable communities.By combining agricultural support with environmental restoration, the activity contributes to the broader goals of the SPEED Project to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development among communities in South Sudan.
Strengthening Local Economic Opportunities
The Seed Fair is also creating opportunities for local vendors to participate in the supply of agricultural inputs. This approach helps keep resources within local communities while contributing to local economic activity and strengthening market linkages.The initiative therefore goes beyond the distribution of agricultural inputs by connecting food security, livelihoods, environmental restoration, and local economic development.
Promoting Accountability, Inclusion and Community Feedback
Community engagement remains an important component of the Seed Fair. Participants are being sensitized on gender equality and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) to promote safe, inclusive, and respectful participation throughout the activity.A complaints and feedback desk have also been established to provide community members with an accessible channel to raise concerns, provide feedback, and seek clarification regarding the activity.This feedback mechanism strengthens accountability and ensures that community perspectives are considered throughout implementation.
Looking Ahead
The Seed Fair activity will continue to reach the remaining targeted communities in Yei and Lainya counties, expanding access to agricultural inputs and strengthening opportunities for vulnerable households to improve food production and livelihoods.Through the SPEED Project, OFAO and its partners continue to support communities to build stronger livelihoods, restore the environment, and develop practical solutions to the challenges affecting food security and resilience.Together, we are planting the seeds for a more food-secure, resilient and sustainable South Sudan.
About the SPEED Project
The Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project seeks to strengthen resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, support environmental sustainability, and contribute to lasting peace among communities in the South Sudan–Uganda border region. Keywords: OFAO, SPEED Project, Seed Fair, Yei, Lainya, Food Security, Climate Resilience, Environmental Restoration, Sustainable Livelihoods, Women and Youth, Community Development, South Sudan.
Photos Taken During the Seed Fair.
Preparing Vegetable Nursery Beds to Strengthen Food Security in Mukaya Payam
Under the Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project, OFAO has begun preparing vegetable nursery beds in Mukaya Payam ahead of the upcoming seed fair. The activity marks an important step towards supporting communities to produce healthy vegetable seedlings, improve household food security, and strengthen resilience through sustainable agricultural practices.The nursery beds will provide a suitable environment for raising strong and healthy seedlings before they are transplanted into community and household gardens. Beyond producing seedlings, the activity is helping communities gain practical knowledge and experience in climate-smart agriculture, vegetable production, and sustainable farming practices.
For participating communities, these nursery beds represent more than agricultural infrastructure. They are a foundation for improved nutrition, increased household food production, environmental sustainability, and stronger livelihoods. By engaging community members in both group and individual farming activities, the initiative encourages local ownership and promotes practical solutions that can continue beyond the project period.Through the seed fair and related agricultural activities, communities will have greater access to quality planting materials while strengthening their capacity to produce food locally. The initiative also contributes to the broader goals of the SPEED Project by promoting resilient livelihoods and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
As the seedlings grow, so too does the potential for healthier households, greener landscapes, and more resilient communities. OFAO, through the SPEED Project, continues to work with communities to sow the seeds of a more sustainable, food-secure, and resilient South Sudan.
Photos Taken During the Preparation of Vegetable Nursery Beds Activity
VSLA Plus Methodology Training Under the SPEED Project
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment, a five-day VSLA Plus Methodology Training was successfully conducted in Yei Town Payam, bringing together 58 participants from seven Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups.
The training brought together VSLA members from Yei Town Boma, Jansuk, and Minyori, providing participants with practical knowledge and skills in savings and lending, financial management, group governance, and sustainable livelihood improvement. Through the VSLA Plus approach, participants are equipped to strengthen household financial resilience, improve access to savings and lending opportunities, and develop sustainable economic activities that can contribute to improved livelihoods and stronger communities.
The training forms part of the Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project, which seeks to promote resilient livelihoods, community empowerment, and sustainable development.OFAO commends the dedication and active participation of all VSLA members, facilitators, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the training.Together, we are building stronger, more self-reliant, and resilient communities for a sustainable future.
Photos Taken During the VSLA Plus Methodology Training Under the SPEED Project
VSLA Plus Methodology Training Under the SPEED Project
The second week of training under the Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project is currently underway across Yei and Lainya.
Today marks the beginning of a five-day VSLA Plus Methodology Training in Yei, bringing together 58 participants to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the VSLA Plus approach.The training features interactive and practical learning sessions focused on strengthening community empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Participants are gaining practical knowledge to support communities in building stronger savings groups, improving household economic resilience, and creating sustainable pathways to improved livelihoods.
The training is part of the SPEED Project’s broader efforts to promote peace, environmental sustainability, economic development, and resilient livelihoods among communities in the project areas.OFAO wishes all participants a productive and successful training as they continue building the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities.
Photos Taken During the VSLA Plus Methodology Training Under the SPEED Project
Strengthening Community Resilience Through VSLA Plus in Yei and Lainya
As part of efforts to strengthen household resilience, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods, the Sustainable Peace, Environment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project is supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Yei Town Payam and Lainya County.
A key component of this support was a five-day VSLA Plus Methodology Training, which brought together 58 participants representing seven VSLA groups from Yei Town Boma, Jansuk, and Minyori. The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills in savings and lending, financial management, group governance, record keeping, decision-making, and livelihood improvement. The VSLA Plus approach goes beyond traditional savings and lending by linking community-based financial services with livelihood development and other interventions that strengthen household resilience. Through this approach, communities are supported to mobilize their own resources, invest in productive activities, manage financial challenges, and create opportunities for greater economic self-reliance.
Following the training, 14 VSLA groups received VSLA toolkits over a two-day period under the SPEED Project. The groups include 11 VSLA groups in Yei Town Payam and three groups in Lainya County. Before receiving the toolkits, members participated in practical sessions on their proper use and management to ensure that the groups can effectively apply the tools in their day-to-day operations.The supported VSLA groups are also promoting inclusive participation, with women making up the majority of key leadership positions. This reflects the important role women play in strengthening household financial security, community development, and economic empowerment.
The training and distribution of VSLA toolkits have provided groups with both the knowledge and practical tools needed to strengthen their operations. Participants also had opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and identify practical solutions for improving the sustainability of their groups.The support is expected to contribute to stronger savings culture, improved financial management, increased access to community-based financial services, and enhanced livelihood opportunities for participating households.
Through the SPEED Project, OFAO and its partners remain committed to strengthening community-led initiatives that promote financial inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, women’s leadership, and greater household and community resilience.By investing in people, skills, and locally owned systems, the SPEED Project is helping communities in Yei and Lainya move towards a more self-reliant, inclusive, and economically resilient future.
OFAO Strengthening community resilience through the SPEED Project.
Photos Taken During VSLA Plus in Yei and Lainya
Highlights from the Training of Trainers on Agroecology, Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity and Landscape Management
ment and Economic Development (SPEED) Project continues to strengthen community capacity for sustainable development through knowledge-sharing and practical learning.As part of the project, Caritas Switzerland organized and facilitated a five-day Training of Trainers on Agroecology, Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, and Landscape Management. The training brought together participants from Yei and Lainya Counties, representing a diverse range of community and local institutions.
Participants included farmer groups, cooperatives, local authorities, County Agriculture Directors, Directors of Cooperatives, Payam Directors, extension workers, women’s groups, implementing partners such as CDC, OFAO staff, and the Acting Commissioner for Forestry.Throughout the five-day training, women and men actively engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, group discussions, demonstrations, and practical field activities. These sessions focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, responsible natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient approaches.
The practical learning component provided participants with hands-on experience in applying agroecology and landscape management approaches that can contribute to sustainable livelihoods, environmental restoration, food security, and resilient communities.By strengthening the knowledge and capacity of local actors, the SPEED Project is supporting communities to adopt practices that protect natural resources while improving livelihoods and responding to the impacts of climate change.Together, we are building stronger, greener, and more resilient communities in South Sudan.
Photos Taken During The Training of Trainers on Agroecology, Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity and Landscape Management
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