Seeds of Hope: How Rebecca is Leading a Community Transformation in South Sudan

 

Rebecca Akuol proudly displayed her harvested groundnuts on her farm in Kolyang,
Bor County, Jonglei. Sarah Thon/CARE

In the heart of Kolnyang Boma, a parched landscape etched with resilience, lives Rebecca Akuol Anyieth. A mother of six, her days were once a relentless cycle of struggle, marked by empty stomachs and the weight of unmet needs. Like countless women in Bor, Jonglei state, she toiled under the dual burdens of farming and family, her spirit as weathered as the land. "We stuck in a daily cycle of trying to survive," Rebecca recalls. "Our fields yielded barely enough food. The men were distant, lost in the world of cattle. But now, there's a change. We work together, dream together, and our harvest is a testament to our unity." 

In South Sudan, communities face severe challenges that hinder their development and well-being. The country grapples with underdevelopment, recurring conflict, food insecurity, and poverty, making it one of the most challenging places to live. Agriculture, while a crucial industry providing significant employment and contributing to the GDP, suffers from inadequate technology, insecure land rights, and the impacts of climate change. Women and girls, in particular, experience systemic gender inequality, which restricts their access to resources and opportunities, further entrenching poverty and food insecurity in their households and communities 

The Fortifying Equality and Economic Diversity for Resilience Project (FEED II) was initiated to address these pressing issues. Launched in 2020 and set to run until 2025, the project aims to improve access to food, nutrition, income, and resources while promoting gender equality. The project not only provides agricultural training and resources but also emphasizes women's empowerment and community engagement to foster sustainable development. Aluong Maketh Dhieu, Senior Project Officer, CARE South Sudan from the FEED II project in Bor, highlighted this initiative's necessity, stating,, “It is critical to enhance women's leadership and decision-making in agriculture”. The program is implemented through comprehensive training that includes Farmer Field Business Schools (FFBS), agricultural techniques, gender equality, and nutrition education. 

When she learned about the FEED II project, Rebecca's life took a turn. "I heard about this program at a community meeting," she recalls. "At first, I was hesitant, but something told me to give it a chance." Rebecca joined the project and quickly embraced the training opportunities. "They taught us new farming techniques and business skills. It was like a whole new world opened up," she explains. The impact was swift and significant. Applying her new knowledge, Rebecca's first harvest after the training exceeded her expectations. "We had more than enough to feed the family, with extra to sell at the market," she beams. This success allowed Rebecca to pay her children's school fees and invest in their health, addressing two of her most pressing concerns. 

The transformation has been profound. Where once there was despair, there’s now determination. Rebecca’s family, once on the brink, began to thrive. School fees, once a distant dream, became a reality. The specter of illness, a constant companion, started to fade. Her home, once a symbol of scarcity, echoed with laughter and hope. 

But Rebecca's impact extended far beyond her family. She became a torchbearer, igniting the spirits of other women. Through her, they found their voices, strength, and economic independence. "When women rise," she says, her eyes gleaming with conviction, "communities flourish." Rebecca's journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the FEED II Project. Through her involvement, she has not only improved her family's situation by being able to pay school fees and reduce illness—but has also inspired other women in her community. The project has reached thousands, empowering them to take control of their food production and economic activities. 

With each passing day, Rebecca's influence grew. She became a champion of nutrition, educating mothers on the importance of breastfeeding and diverse diets. Her farm, once a source of survival, blossomed into a symbol of hope and prosperity. To ensure the sustainability of the project, plans are in place to continue providing training and resources, fostering community partnerships, and promoting gender equality. The goal is to create a self-sustaining cycle of empowerment that will benefit future generations. 

 

Rebecca Akuol is more than a farmer. She is a survivor, a leader, a mother. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit's indomitable power. In the heart of a land scarred by conflict and adversity, she has sown seeds of hope that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Rebecca dreams of a future where her children can thrive without the burdens she faces, aspiring to see her community flourish as women continue to rise and lead. Her story is a testament to resilience and the potential for change in even the most challenging environments