Irrigated Agriculture and Food Security in the New Nation of Southern Sudan

Abstract:     
The new nation of Southern Sudan depends totally on its oil production and revenues. However, besides that resource there are potentials to develop its agricultural sector, both for food security and as an economic sector. Southern Sudan population has chosen secession in January 2011 referendum and independence shall be declared next July. However, its food production capabilities are still hindered by weak or nonexistent infrastructure, meager labor-force and effects of long civil war that hampered development and destroyed agricultural schemes. An estimated 3.64 million people who are in need of at least 571,900 tons of food assistance. South Sudan is a country with a very high potential for expanding and developing the agricultural sector as 90% of its land is considered suitable for agriculture and 50% is prime agricultural land. The Country has over 30 million hectares of arable land with only 5% currently in use. There are various ecological zones in South Sudan and all areas have the capacity for crop production. In particular the greenbelt zone has high agricultural potential, as there are two cropping seasons. The main crops currently grown in South Sudan include maize, sorghum, finger millet, cassava, sweet potato and groundnuts. Main fruit varieties include bananas, plantain, pineapple, mango and citrus whilst the main vegetable varieties are onion, okra, cabbage, eggplant, pumpkin and cucumber.

Keywords: Southern Sudan, Development, Food Security, Economic Crisis

JEL Classification: N5, N50, N57

Accepted Paper Series