South Sudan News Agency

By Dr Lam Akol

July 24, 2012 (SSNA) -- Aggrey Tisa Sabuni's article, South Sudan: building the foundations of the world's newest state, gives the impression that the building of South Sudan started with its independence on the 9th of July last year. Nothing could be further from the truth. Since the beginning of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in July 2005, South Sudan was, for all practical purposes, fully autonomous economically and politically. It ran its own affairs and enjoyed freedom of action. Financially, it had a more than 50% share of the revenue of oil extracted in the South, foreign grants, money from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and funds voted to it from the national budget. Added to this is the internally generated revenue in South Sudan. It was also free to borrow money from banks, local and foreign. The revenue from oil alone amounted to about 3 billion US dollars annually (including the 2% for the oil-producing Unity and Upper Nile States) for the entire six years interim period preceding the referendum on Self-Determination. These are enormous resources. They were sufficient to set building the foundations of South Sudan on course. The money was squandered in Juba and the population saw nothing of it in terms of basic services and improved security; a missed opportunity.As is well known, oil as a resource is problematic: not only do its prices fluctuate considerably but it is also non-renewable and exhaustible. Relying on it as the sole resource is the surest way to economic uncertainty. Common-sense would dictate that oil resources, while they last, should be used to develop important sectors of the economy that are essential and sustainable for the development of South Sudan, especially agriculture. However, this was exactly the course of action that the SPLM-controlled government in South Sudan eschewed from 2005 up until it shut down oil production last January, six months after independence. South Sudan boasts no industry and no private sector of any kind. What economy are we talking about? If South Sudan had invested oil money in agriculture, both plant and animal, it would have achieved self-sufficiency in food well before 2009 and would have simultaneously started agro-industry, such as sugar and other food industries, tanneries, etc. No country can develop without a viable industry.

It must also be underlined that agriculture in South Sudan is not modernized; it is still traditional and fully rain-fed. A lot needs to be done in order to improve production and increase productivity. What Sabuni presents as "not insubstantial achievements"- the rise in non-oil revenue of 250 per cent since July 2011- could have been achieved in 2006 or 2007 at the latest. This is an insubstantial chunk of the budget, it is only raising the non-oil revenue to just 5 percent of the budget! How do you cover the remaining 95 percent? It is mind-boggling how with oil revenue unavailable the government in Juba would get the money to run its "austerity programme" without borrowing money. In fact, after closing down oil production, the country has been borrowing money against the oil underground which does not augur well for future generations.

Sabuni is absolutely right when he averred that "Being the world's newest country affords us one clear advantage in this respect: we can learn from the past mistakes of other countries." The question is: did they learn anything from those mistakes? Not at all. They slid into the same beaten path most African countries traversed: rocketing inflation, total reliance on imported goods including food, insatiable lust for foreign aid and corruption – a word Sabuni could not dare mention in his article. Today, more than half the population needs food aid and the World Bank had warned of an economic calamity if nothing changes soon. By October, Juba may not be able to pay its employees.

One would expect a newly born state like South Sudan to use its resources judiciously before seeking assistance from others. What we saw and still see is a government on a spending spree. The calls from the opposition since 2010 for a lean government after independence were contemptuously dismissed. Now, South Sudan has a government, apart from the President and Vice President, of 56 ministers and Deputy ministers; six Presidential Advisors; two chambers of Parliament of too many members (one composed of 50 appointed members and the other with 332 members, 49 percent of whom were appointed); 21 Chairpersons of National Commissions and a huge civil service. Sabuni himself was until recently one of two Under Secretaries in one ministry. In the Foreign Service, (91) ambassadors were appointed for a population of less than 9 million souls. Compare this with Kenya's about 60 and Zimbabwe's less than 40 ambassadors. These countries have been independent for 50 and 32 years, respectively, and hence would be expected to have established relations with more countries than a newly born state would have.

In terms of pay, a minister in South Sudan, for instance, receives an emolument in excess of 30,000 SSP monthly excluding other services and perks, which is a staggering 100 times (or 10,000 percent) more than what an SPLA soldier gets. Most developing countries are careful that the pay of the highest paid government officials should not be far in excess of the minimum pay. The huge government in South Sudan is not by accident, it is a reflection of the distribution of patronage and clientelism in the ruling party. No austerity measures will reverse that trend. This also appears to be the biggest obstacle against fighting corruption, rhetoric notwithstanding.

Let us take an example of how the priorities of the Government of South Sudan are totally reversed. According to the 2011 budget figures, health and education all over the country received 3.8 and 5.6 percent of the budget, respectively, compared to 3.7 and 5.1 per cent in 2010 (both ministries received less than 10 percent of the whole budget over those two years!). In contrast, the Office of the President received 6.6 percent of the budget in 2010 and 4.8 percent in 2011. In other words, the Office of the President has received more than what went for health in the two years considered, and only marginally less than the share of education in 2011.Another area of concern is the overspending of all ministries over and above their budget allocations. A cursory look at the 2005 and 2006 audit reports, the only two carried out so far, reveals how some ministries have spent in excess of up to almost 2000 per cent of their budgets. These audit reports also contain very worrying revelations such as outright embezzlement ans some government institutions refusing to be audited.

The biggest malaise of South Sudan's economy, all agree, remains what Sabuni chose to ignore; rampant corruption. There can be no way "to continue laying the foundations for long term economic prosperity"as Sabuni puts it – when corruption in the high echelons of government continue to eat into our meagre resources. In addition to its crippling effect internally, corruption has caused foreign donors to be reluctant in giving more aid money.

Regarding the difficult talks with Khartoum, could it be that "their unwillingness to compromise" is based on the knowledge that South Sudan has little options given its single resource "economy"?

The "South Sudan Development Plan" mentioned by the author, was not heard of before the 9th of July 2012. What it is and for how many years, none other than the government seems to know. A national plan cannot be discussed behind closed doors; it is a matter for the whole nation to debate. It must be discussed by both the Government and the Opposition, and also by the civil society and other stakeholders, if it is meant to last for any reasonable length of time for it to deserve being termed a plan. How come it was so shrouded in secrecy?

One would agree with Sabuni that "the foundations are the first step in building a strong and resilient nation". But all the indications are that the foundations of the newly born South Sudan were laid not on rock but on sand. The challenges are not only economic; good governance with its six pillars calls for action. South Sudanese of all hues and colours need to return to the drawing board to get things right. The country's independence will not be consummated until it enjoys good governance and attains economic self-reliance.

Dr Lam Akol is the Chairman of the SPLM-DC, the official Opposition party in South Sudan. He was previously a Lecturer at the University of Khartoum (1980-1986) before he joined the SPLM/A. The last position he held was as Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs (2005-2007).

By: Daniel Abushery Daniel (USA)

July 24, 2012 (SSNA) -- Early morning on Thursday, July 21, 2012, approximately at about 09:30 AM Arizona time, while I was in a deep sleep, my son screams on me down star in our apartment: “Dad, Dad, uncle Akol is talking in south Sudan TV."

Yes, we did it. I said to myself.

On my behalf, I would like to seize this opportunity to convey my warmest greetings to comrade Malak Ayuen “Aka: Koul Mareck” and his pragmatics’ team for broadcasting this wonderful even with Arizona citizens in South Sudan TV.

In my actual calendar plan was to celebrate the 1st independence day of our country in Juba, the capital city of South Sudan. But, the Arabic phrase said; “The wind blow on the directions that was not desired by ships”.

Therefore, my plan did not go as I had planned it.

In one of the hottest days of the year in Arizona, the news of North, and South Sudan were all over the place, especially, the international channel in cable network about the eminent attack on South Sudan soil by our traditional enemy the NCP elites in Khartoum, targeting the oil-rich Unity State and especially in Pan- Thou area, which they shamelessly called “Higleeg”.

On another front, the enemy's ground forces were to march from Northern Bhar El Gazal aiming to occupied oil-rich area in Bantiu city, but, our gallant forces of SPLM pushed them back beyond the normal borders to secure Pan- Thou and others surrounding areas. But the enemy changed its strategy and used its air force bombarding inside Bantiu and around.

We are all in great shocked from what we heard and watched of bad news about our motherland, then, I received many calls from different folks in Arizona and other cities in the states, confirming that; Jallaba in Khartoum after they failed stealing our oil, now they invaded us to take it all by force. But one phone- call calm us down and is from Secretary General of SPLM Chapter in Arizona comrade Bol Dey announcing the emergency meeting immediately to be convened and in an hour, a good number of concerned citizens of Arizona were in the stated location and on time.

The crowds came out in that meeting with the important resolutions. First; is to organize a demonstrations and walk to the office of the most influential and well known figure in modern American politic, and the member of both house, the Congress and the House of Representatives; senator John McCain, to brief him of ongoing situation back home. And the second resolution is; while we are millions miles away from home; let us join our hands and collect some money for our troops as our generous support to the men and women in uniform in the front line. And show them our solid solidarity.

Immediately, two plans were put in practice at the same time, while; the Arizona battalion elected task force under the SPLM Chapter leadership to update the citizens about the latest in the front. And never rest until the SPLA was ordered by the commander in Chief H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit to withdrawal from Pan- Thou, due to intervening of UNSC and other international community organizations, after teaching the Sudanese army and their militia’s “Mojahedeen” a lesson in proxy war they will never forget in their entire life. And now, Pan- Thou became one of the disputed areas between Khartoum and Juba.

As stated above, Arizona always leads the Diaspora’s when its comes to actions, due to their vigilantly stands with the challenges that are facing our new nation. And the unpretentious contribution that was sent to our braves’ troops, which, can not be compared with their sacrifices, is actually, a living proof.

Once again, congratulation Arizona citizens for your usual stands and contributions to our people when needed, especially, when our liberty is in jeopardy. Arizona will always do what is right as they pledged and vow to protect the sovereignty of this nation, holding dear our happiness without hate and fear.

In- Conclusion, in Memorial Day celebration this year, I will not forget to salute our mytres without sorting, and fallen comrades during our struggle and in Pan- Thou, whose blood cemented the foundation of Unknown Soldier grave.

The author is a south Sudanese citizen, living in Arizona State, and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

By Jacob K. Lupai

Introduction

July 17, 2012 (SSNA) -- Self-sufficiency in food production to achieve food security is a dream of any country on planet earth. “For example, the Republic of South Sudan should never depend on imports of food or handouts”, said the President in his address to the First Joint Sitting of the National Legislature and to the Nation. However, for others self-sufficiency in food production is no longer a dream but a reality because there is plenty of food to which people have access. For others, though, there is an experience of poor food production and acute food insecurity when many people go to bed hungry without a proper meal.

People sometimes may confuse food security with physical security. In simple terms food security is food available in the store while physical security is being secure from bodily harm or from criminal damage of property. However, the focus here is on the concept of food security. According to the World Food Summit organized in Rome in 1996, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Ever since this has become the standard definition of food security which every country endeavours to achieve.

Agricultural production is part of food security. In South Sudan agricultural production is so low that food security may hardly be achieved. Agricultural production is low partly due to the effect of structural factors that will be highlighted in the text in identification of agricultural development bottleneck and the subsequent analysis made for knowledge of how South Sudan could become self-reliant in agricultural production in achieving household food security. 

Agriculture in South Sudan

The government has asserted that agriculture is and will continue to be the life vein of the economy of South Sudan. Indeed South Sudan has an immense agricultural potential. The literature confirms that 80 per cent of the land mass is arable but only 4 per cent of this arable land has been cultivated. The question is, with all the immense agricultural potential, why is South Sudan not self-reliant in food production. One thing, though, is the confusion being made between self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

Self-reliance and self-sufficiency are being used interchangeably as though they mean the same thing. Arguably self-reliance is the first to be achieved before self-sufficiency. How can a poor country which is not even self-reliant in food production talk of self-sufficiency? However, it is not a crime for a poor country to talk aloud about self-sufficiency in food production which may be considered something of a good intention.

One main reason why South Sudan is not self-reliant in food production seems to be the more emphasis on theoretical rather than institutional and practical commitment with tangible results. Constraints for crop cultivation in South Sudan have been regularly and repeatedly mentioned year in year out on official occasions but the situation of food insecurity remains the same. Provision of improved seed, agro-chemicals, labour saving implements and credit to farmers to mention but a few, and provision of agricultural services such as dissemination of improved technology, advice and information to improve production for self-reliance all have always been mentioned in speeches and highlighted in documents.

In contrast, despite the highlight of agriculture as an important economic sector, agricultural production has been in significant decline in yields and according to Food Security Update for Jan-March 2012, food security situation in South Sudan is deteriorating where about 4.7 million people are anticipated to be potentially food insecure. This suggests that out of population of 8,260,490 only 3,560,490, which is about 43 per cent of the population, is food secure. This shows that more than half of the population of South Sudan is potentially food insecure. This is a very depressing picture indeed for a country that has an immense agricultural potential to be not only self-reliant but self-sufficient in food production. This seems to suggest that something somewhere is not right.

Identification of agricultural development bottleneck

It is estimated that more than half of the population of South Sudan is potentially food insecure. This suggests that South Sudan is nowhere closer to being self-reliant in food production leave alone being self-sufficient. To be self-sufficient South Sudan may need to resort to massive food imports. However, the President has already stated clearly that people should not rely on food imports or handouts. So, what should we do? One way is to identify agricultural development bottleneck for self-reliance in food production because a problem identified is a problem half solved.

Farmer awareness programme

Farmers may not be aware that agriculture is an important industry to the nation. They may only be aware that agriculture is important to their immediate needs of their households. To give farmers some confidence, they should be made aware of the vital role they play in the economy of the nation. This should be through radio and television talk shows and field visits by experts to identify and discuss production problems with farmers. This is to open up the world of farmers in South Sudan to the wider public. It is to create awareness in farmers of their importance in feeding the nation so that farming is taken seriously as a business instead of for only subsistence. The use of billboards in creating awareness among farmers is also important.

Farmer training

Most farming activities are carried out in the rural areas where the literacy rate is very low, 76 per cent of people do neither read nor write. It may not therefore be strange when many farmers in South Sudan still use traditional methods and follow the old established pattern of farming. To be efficient and to increase productivity farmers must be trained to learn and use improved farming methods to increase yields for self-reliance in food production. This can be on-farm training where field days are arranged for demonstrations in diffusing improved farming methods. 

Village extension worker training and deployment

For an understanding a village extension worker is the link between farmers and a research programme. The village extension worker disseminates innovations, which are improved technologies, from the research programme to farmers with the aim of increasing yields for self-reliance. On the other hand the village extension worker communicates production problems from the farmers to the research programme for solutions. The importance of the village extension worker to agricultural development cannot be overstated. For effectiveness and efficiency in agricultural production for self-reliance the village extension worker must be trained in extension methods and communication, and also in subject matter.

In-service training or refresher courses are essential because quite often the village extension workers when deployed to the rural areas are nearly forgotten. Village extension workers should be deployed to payams and bomas but not to county headquarters. This is because the village extension workers have to be closer to the farmers to advise on improved farming practices for self-reliance in food production. A ratio of one village extension worker to about 500 to 800 farm families will generally be adequate. However, more often village extension workers are left without facilities and so become ineffective partly due to budgetary constraints.

Research programme

As highlighted above extension is the link between farmers and research. Extension disseminates improved technology from research to farmers and carries farmers’ problems to research for solutions. Extension therefore cannot function for long unless there is an effective research programme of generating improved technology for dissemination to farmers. In South Sudan agricultural research is yet to take off. 

In the era of the Southern Regional government of the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 there was the Project Development Unit (PDU) of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The PDU had established a research programme in Yei with land and facilities, and with research or demonstration stations in the Region. However, when the Government of Southern Sudan of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005 was established there seemed to have been a neglect of the research land and the left over facilities in Yei.

The previous research land in Yei has become partly a residential area. It is not clear what steps are now being taken for an effective agricultural research programme to generate improved technology to increase yields for self-reliance in South Sudan. Without an effective research programme extension will have nothing new to disseminate to farmers. The implication is that the farmers will rely on old antiquated technology that will hardly increase yields with resultant low production and food insecurity. There is therefore an urgent need for the establishment of an effective research programme for diffusion of improved technology for self-reliance in food production.

Farmer cooperative societies

Basically farmer cooperative societies are the empowerment of farmers to get a better deal for their productivity. In extension dealing with a farmer cooperative society saves time and possibly resources instead of dealing with individual farmers. A farmer cooperative society can mange storage facilities and transport of farm produce to markets where an individual farmer may find it difficult to do so. A farmer cooperative society also acts as a collateral to an individual farmer in production. This encourages farmers to adopt improved farming practices to increase yields for self-reliance.

The formation of a farmer cooperative society addresses production problem that an individual farmer may find it difficult to address on their own. This encourages agricultural development without which self-reliance in food production may not be realized. The absence of a farmer cooperative society is an agricultural development bottleneck.

Credit to farmers

Credit provision to farmers can be considered a key instrument for breaking the vicious circle of low incomes, low savings and low productivity. Small farmers and the rural poor should be the chief target of credit interventions. This is because of the potential efficiency of small farmers, their output potential with improved technology, their lack of cash at critical periods in the crop season and their lack of collateral for loans.

A credit scheme should be to assist small farmers to overcome their inability to borrow from commercial banks due to lack of collateral and lack of information. Credit provision is to accelerate the adoption of improved technology by small farmers for the seasonal purchase of inputs. It can be seen that credit to small farmers can be used to increase production. A credit scheme is therefore important to address the problem of small farmers who have limited access to commercial credit sources.

Budgetary allocation to agriculture

Although agriculture is vividly seen as the life vein of the economy of South Sudan, budgetary allocation to the sector is disgraceful. For agricultural development to take off for self-reliance in food production the budget should be at least between 10 and 25 per cent of the total budget. However, in South Sudan the budget of the agricultural sector is less than 1 per cent of the total budget according to the Draft Budget, 2011. This seems to confirm that indeed commitment to the development of the agricultural sector has been nothing but theoretical instead of being an institutional and practical commitment with the expected tangible results.

Self-reliance in food production

The talk about self-sufficiency in food production is not realistic because South Sudan is nowhere closer to being even self-reliant in food production. This may seem a pessimistic conclusion but this is the reality given that people only pretend to know how South Sudan can become self-reliant in food production. The reality is that people are not practically oriented and committed. With immense agricultural potential and with 96 per cent of the arable land uncultivated, more than half of the population should not have been classified as potentially food insecure. The trend of agricultural development in South Sudan is indeed worrying as institutional weakness and budgetary allocation seem to show.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people need not panic because of some expressed pessimism. We only need the will power to make things happen and to drive commitment to make the difference. The world is not only built on theories but on the practical application of the theories. People had theories on how to land on the moon but if practical action was not taken no one would have ever landed on the moon. In our case agricultural policies and expressed good intentions should be translated into tangible outcomes. We wouldn’t like to be identified only as a nation of consumers, and rampant corruption and insecurity.

The author can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it