Strengthening Markets, Agribusinesses, Climate Resilience and Inclusive Economic Opportunities for Smallholder FarmersThe Sustainable Markets and Agribusiness Competitiveness Plus (SMAC+) Project has been successfully launched across five counties in South Sudan Torit, Magwi, Yei, Terekeka and Juba, marking an important step toward strengthening agricultural markets, supporting smallholder farmers and creating more resilient and inclusive agribusiness opportunities.The launch activities brought together government representatives, local authorities, farmers, agribusinesses, private-sector actors, community leaders, development partners and other key stakeholders to introduce the project, discuss its objectives and explore opportunities for collaboration in building stronger and more sustainable agricultural market systems.The successful launch in the five locations represents an important milestone for the 48-month SMAC+ Project, which is being implemented across Eastern and Central Equatoria States.
About the SMAC+ Project
The Sustainable Markets and Agribusiness Competitiveness Plus (SMAC+) Project is designed to contribute to stronger, more inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural markets in South Sudan.The project is supported under the European Union (EU) Green and Resilient Economy Programme and by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), with Caritas Switzerland serving as the lead partner.The initiative focuses on improving the conditions under which smallholder farmers and agribusinesses operate, while strengthening connections between producers, markets, private-sector actors and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.Through a combination of market development, private-sector engagement, sustainable natural resource management and inclusive peacebuilding approaches, SMAC+ seeks to create an enabling environment where farmers and agribusinesses can increase their productivity, improve their incomes and become more resilient to climate and economic shocks.
Five Locations, One Shared Vision
The project has been launched across Torit, Magwi, Yei, Terekeka and Juba, bringing the SMAC+ vision closer to farming communities and agricultural market actors in different parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria.
Torit County
The launch in Torit County marked an important opportunity to introduce SMAC+ to local stakeholders and discuss the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural and market systems. Torit and surrounding areas have significant potential for agricultural production and agribusiness development. Through SMAC+, stakeholders will work toward strengthening market linkages, improving productive capacity and supporting more sustainable and resilient agricultural livelihoods. Suggested photo caption:
Stakeholders participate in the SMAC+ Project launch in Torit County.
Magwi County
In Magwi County, the SMAC+ launch highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural production and connecting farmers to better market opportunities.The project will support efforts to improve productivity and income generation while encouraging sustainable approaches to natural resource management. By engaging farmers, agribusinesses, private-sector actors and other stakeholders, SMAC+ aims to contribute to a stronger and more inclusive agricultural economy.Suggested photo caption:
Community and agricultural stakeholders during the SMAC+ Project launch in Magwi County.
Yei County
The launch in Yei County further expanded the implementation of SMAC+ across Central Equatoria.Yei has strong agricultural potential and an important role to play in local food production and market development. The project will seek to strengthen productive capacities, improve market systems and promote opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses to participate more effectively in value chains.The project also recognizes the importance of inclusive approaches that bring different stakeholders together and contribute to peaceful and sustainable economic development.Suggested photo caption:
Participants and stakeholders at the SMAC+ Project launch in Yei County.
Terekeka County
In Terekeka County, the SMAC+ launch provided an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the project’s objectives and identify opportunities for collaboration. The project aims to strengthen agricultural livelihoods while promoting sustainable management of natural resources and improving resilience to climate-related challenges. By supporting stronger market systems and greater private-sector engagement, SMAC+ seeks to help farmers and agribusinesses access opportunities that can contribute to improved incomes and sustainable economic growth. Suggested photo caption:
Participants engage during the SMAC+ Project launch in Terekeka County.
Juba County
The Juba County launch marked the latest milestone in the rollout of the SMAC+ Project across the five target locations.The launch brought together stakeholders to introduce the project’s objectives, discuss the role of agricultural market systems and highlight the importance of collaboration between farmers, government institutions, private-sector actors, development partners and communities.As a major economic and administrative centre, Juba provides an important environment for strengthening linkages between agricultural producers, markets, businesses and institutions.Suggested photo caption:
Stakeholders during the official SMAC+ Project launch in Juba County.
Building Stronger and More Resilient Agricultural Markets
Across all five locations, SMAC+ will focus on addressing some of the challenges affecting farmers and agribusinesses, while building on existing opportunities within local agricultural markets.The project will contribute to:Improved productive capacity and productivity among smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.Increased income-generation opportunities through stronger agricultural value chains and market linkages.Stronger and more inclusive market systems that connect producers with buyers and private-sector actors.Climate resilience through sustainable and climate-responsive agricultural practices.Sustainable natural resource management to support productive landscapes and long-term livelihoods.Greater private-sector engagement in agricultural development and market systems.Inclusive peacebuilding by promoting collaboration, participation and economic opportunities among communities and market actors.
Partnership for Sustainable Agricultural Development
The successful rollout of the SMAC+ Project demonstrates the importance of partnership and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing South Sudan’s agricultural sector.The project brings together development partners, government institutions, local authorities, communities, farmers, agribusinesses and private-sector actors around a shared vision of stronger and more sustainable agricultural markets.Through this collaboration, SMAC+ aims to support an agricultural sector that is more productive, competitive, inclusive and resilient, while contributing to improved livelihoods and economic opportunities for communities across Eastern and Central Equatoria.
Looking Ahead
With the successful launches in Torit, Magwi, Yei, Terekeka and Juba, the SMAC+ Project now moves forward into its implementation phase.The coming months and years will focus on translating the project’s objectives into practical interventions that benefit farmers, agribusinesses and communities.The five launch events have laid an important foundation for continued engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. As implementation progresses, the project will continue working with partners and communities to strengthen agricultural market systems, promote sustainable resource management, improve resilience and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth.The launch of SMAC+ across the five counties is more than the beginning of a project it is a step toward building stronger agricultural markets, resilient communities and better economic opportunities for South Sudan’s farmers and agribusinesses.
Photo Gallery: SMAC+ Project Launches
Torit County | Magwi County | Yei County | Terekeka County | Juba CountyPhoto captions can be added below each image to identify participants, locations and key moments from the launch events.
Project Partners
European Union (EU) Green and Resilient Economy Programme
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Caritas Switzerland Lead Partner
OFAO and other implementing and local partners
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