A call has been made for the organization of a National Agriculture Conference before the start of the upcoming farming season. The proposal emphasizes the importance of gathering input from various stakeholders to ensure the success of South Sudan’s agricultural sector. The initiative aims to provide a platform for farmers to share their perspectives on the requirements and strategies needed to enhance agricultural productivity in 2025.
The appeal suggests convening the conference in February or March to align with the agricultural calendar. It underscores the need for active involvement from national and state agricultural authorities to ensure comprehensive planning and implementation. By including farmers in the discussion, the conference would enable policymakers to understand the practical challenges faced in the field and devise solutions that address these issues effectively.
This call for action comes in the wake of a recent declaration of 2025 as a year dedicated to agriculture and compromise for peace. While this announcement has been welcomed as a positive step, there is skepticism about its implementation, given past instances where similar declarations failed to materialize into concrete actions. To address this concern, it has been suggested that the declaration be formally adopted as a policy by the council of ministers, ensuring its translation into actionable programs.
The importance of turning words into action is emphasized, with a focus on ensuring that the declaration is not merely symbolic. It is recommended that the council of ministers prioritize this initiative and allocate the necessary resources to achieve tangible results. The conference would serve as a cornerstone in this effort, laying the groundwork for a coordinated approach to agricultural development.
In addition to the agricultural agenda, attention has been drawn to the ongoing Tumaini Initiative in Kenya. There is a pressing need for compromise among the parties involved to prevent the collapse of the talks. Political rigidity and intolerance are identified as significant barriers to progress. Both the government and the opposition are urged to prioritize the interests of citizens and make concessions to ensure the success of the initiative.
The broader political landscape also requires attention, particularly in preparation for the upcoming elections. It has been stressed that by October 2025, all necessary conditions for conducting elections in December 2026 must be in place. These include the unification of forces, judicial reforms, and the enactment of transitional justice legislation. Furthermore, the constitutional-making process needs to be adequately funded and advanced, while political parties must prepare for active participation in the elections.
A population census is also highlighted as a critical prerequisite for the electoral process. Ensuring accurate demographic data will be essential for fair and transparent elections. These measures collectively aim to foster a stable and inclusive political environment, laying the foundation for sustainable development.
The proposed actions reflect a holistic approach to addressing the challenges facing South Sudan. By focusing on agriculture, peacebuilding, and electoral preparedness, the initiatives aim to create a pathway for progress and stability. Effective implementation will require collaboration, commitment, and accountability from all stakeholders involved.
