Onions have many benefits beyond their flavor they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. In some parts of the world, they even serve as traditional medicine. While onions are commonly found in kitchens worldwide, in the western part of South Sudan, this humble vegetable has sparked a transformative change for an entire community.
Chan Agany Joseph grew up in Gogrial West County, South Sudan, where he spent much of his childhood tending to livestock, especially goats. As an adult, he tried his hand at tobacco farming, but the earnings were insufficient, and hunger remained a constant challenge in his community. Despite these struggles, Chan was determined to find a way to address the food insecurity that plagued his village. His solution came from an unexpected source onion farming.
In South Sudan, onion cultivation is traditionally seen as women’s work, so when Chan decided to venture into growing onions, many in his community doubted him. Men were not typically involved in growing produce, and some even mocked him for attempting what was considered a “woman’s job.” But Chan was undeterred. He knew that tobacco farming could not provide for his family in the long term, especially during the dry season when food scarcity was most severe.
At that time, life in the village was extremely difficult. The community often resorted to hunting or fishing, but these activities were unreliable and yielded minimal results. “In those days, life was very difficult,” Chan recalls. “People had to resort to hunting or fishing. At the river, you may try to fish but end up with nothing.”
Everything changed when a nonprofit organization visited the village, introducing a program aimed at empowering women with new farming techniques, particularly onion cultivation. Chan, who had observed the program’s success from afar, was motivated to join. Despite the ridicule, he began planting onions in a small plot near a local school. “In the beginning, I started growing onions in a small area close to a school. People used to laugh at me,” he recalls. “But I kept on trying.”
The nonprofit’s efforts were short-lived, however, as they eventually ran out of funding and left the community. But the seeds of change had already been sown. When Action Against Hunger learned of the village’s challenges, they stepped in to continue the work started by the previous organization. Through their efforts, Chan and other villagers received training in onion farming, as well as additional lessons on income-generating activities.
“With Action Against Hunger came a renewed sense of hope,” Chan reflects. “We were proud of our farm again.” Through the training, Chan learned not just how to grow onions but also how to improve his income by selling them at the local market. For the first time in years, his community’s economy began to thrive.
As the onion farms flourished, so did Chan’s personal situation. With the profits from his onion sales, he could afford to send his children to school, providing them with uniforms, books, and the opportunity for a brighter future. “With onion farming, I can buy uniforms and textbooks for my children to attend school,” he says. “Before, I couldn’t afford all this. But with the support from Action Against Hunger, I can.”
The economic benefits were far-reaching. One bag of onions (110 lbs) could be sold for 70,000 South Sudanese Pounds (over $530), providing a stable source of income for Chan’s family. This newfound financial security has allowed Chan to purchase additional livestock, such as goats and cows, further enhancing his family’s well-being. The impact of his success reverberated throughout the village, as other men began to see the value in farming and the importance of working alongside women. Chan’s example broke down traditional gender roles, fostering a sense of equality and community collaboration.
Today, around thirty men work alongside the women in the village, maintaining the onion farms and protecting them from animals. “We share the responsibility of maintaining the fence made of palm trees to keep the onions safe,” says Chan. “If we want to protect our crops, it is our shared responsibility.”
Chan’s efforts have inspired a broader movement within his community. He has taught his children the art of onion farming, passing down valuable skills that will support future generations. Moreover, Chan has become a key advocate for agricultural education, spreading his knowledge to neighboring communities. He encourages others to overcome fear and societal judgment, focusing instead on the tangible benefits of farming.
“Do not listen to judgment or be afraid of barriers you may have,” he advises newcomers. “Look at the benefit you are getting through this farming.”
By embracing this simple yet effective practice, Chan has not only improved his own life but has also contributed to a larger movement of empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through onion farming, he has turned the tide on hunger and helped to create a more hopeful, prosperous future for his community.
