Yambio, Western Equatoria State — Government officials, U.N. agencies, and community groups gathered at Yambio Freedom Square on Thursday to celebrate World Food Day, calling for peace and collaboration to overcome South Sudan’s persistent food insecurity.
The event, organized jointly by the Western Equatoria State Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was held under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona underscored the link between peace and food production, urging communities to abandon violence and focus on farming.
“Without peace, we cannot cultivate or feed ourselves,” Marona said. “I call on the youth and those holding guns to lay them down so our people can grow food.”
State Agriculture Minister Benito Letecia Gbafu urged stakeholders to work together to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“The theme reminds us that transformation requires unity,” she said. “Farmers, youth, women, partners and the government must all join hands to secure our food future.”
Gbafu encouraged investment in local crop production, youth skills, and women’s empowerment to drive community resilience and food sufficiency.
FAO Field Office Coordinator James Denis said the organization remains committed to supporting farmers in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and livestock health programs.
“This celebration marks FAO’s 80 years of fighting hunger,” Denis said. “Together, we can ensure everyone has access to nutritious and safe food.”
Joel Binza, from Star Trust Organization, said peace and food security are inseparable.
“Hunger is not only a lack of food — it’s a lack of peace and opportunity,” he said. “Agriculture should unite us toward a better and more prosperous future.”
The event concluded with calls for stronger partnerships to improve agricultural productivity and resilience.
Despite ongoing insecurity between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO in the region, local leaders expressed optimism that peace and cooperation would pave the way toward lasting food security in Western Equatoria State.
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