Government officials, UN agencies, and development partners have urged stronger investments in young women’s participation in agriculture, calling it essential for food security, inclusive economic growth, and lasting peace.
The High-Level Intergenerational Forum on Women in Agriculture, held in Juba under the theme “Empowering Young Women in Agriculture and Agribusiness: A Force Multiplier for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment”
The event brought together ministers, diplomats, youth entrepreneurs, farmers, and civil society representatives to explore strategies for integrating women into agricultural value chains.
In her opening remarks, Delphine Serumaga, UN Women Country Representative in South Sudan, highlighted the transformative impact of gender equality in farming.
“When women have equal access to productive resources, yields can rise by up to 30 percent,” she said, adding that empowering women benefits households while driving broader community growth.
Mary Nawai, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that empowerment must be tangible.
“Young women farmers must see and feel the impact in their daily lives,” she said, urging partners to translate commitments into measurable action.
Panel discussions examined key challenges, including limited access to land, finance, technology, and markets, and proposed solutions to strengthen women-led agribusinesses and rural cooperatives.
Hussein Abdelbagi, Minister of Agriculture, stressed that women’s leadership is central to South Sudan’s future.
“Women’s leadership in farming is at the heart of peace, prosperity, and resilience,” he noted.
Sarah Cleto Rial, National Minister of Health and Acting Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, underscored the need for reliable data and accountability mechanisms.
“What is invisible cannot be changed,” she said.
In her closing remarks, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Acting UN Resident Coordinator in South Sudan, praised the forum’s collaborative spirit.
“Today we have planted a seed for a brighter South Sudan where no one is left behind,” she said.
The forum concluded with an exhibition of women’s agricultural innovations and products. Organizers confirmed that the recommendations will feed into a national conference on women in agriculture planned for next year.
