“I am very happy because I am no longer stressed since l can afford my needs.”

These were the sentiments shared by Joyce, a 45-year-old wife and mother living in Torit County of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state. Joyce participated in the Empowering Leaders Through Nutrition-Smart Agriculture project, implemented through our partnership with Lift Up the Vulnerable. 

In the rural village where Joyce lives, subsistence farming and rain-fed agriculture are the main sources of income. But land degradation and droughts intensified by climate change have exacerbated food and economic insecurity. The majority of the community, including Joyce’s family, lives below the poverty line. 

For many years, Joyce and her husband sold firewood and grass, but they often didn’t earn enough income to support their family. They ate one to two meals a day, and the adults in their family frequently only ate dinner to ensure there was more food for the children. 

In 2024, Joyce enrolled in the Farmer Field School, an initiative launched as part of the Empowering Leaders Through Nutrition-Smart Agriculture project. The project works to improve food and nutrition security for Hope for South Sudan, a residential school and orphanage near Torit, and its surrounding community, by building capacity in crop production for consumption and income generation. Farmer Field Schools were established to teach sustainable agriculture techniques to local farmers and enable them to learn and work at Hope for South Sudan’s garden, with the ultimate goal of increasing crop yields and income opportunities. 

Through the Farmer Field School, Joyce learned new farming techniques that bridged traditional knowledge with modern methodologies. Joyce gave an example, saying, “I had never worked with organic fertilizer, but now I can defend and share everything I have learned.” She also received seeds for planting. 

With the skills and seeds she received, Joyce was empowered to increase her crop yields. “We managed to harvest 1,500 kilograms of sorghum with my husband,” she said. She has expanded her farm, now growing maize, sorghum, groundnuts and more. She uses some crops to feed her family, improving their nutritional status. They now consistently eat three meals daily. “I have improved my agricultural knowledge and skills, where I am able to diversify my farm and prepare a nutritious diet for my family… I am strong and energetic because I eat nutritious food,” she said. “My family is free of any malnutrition since I have diverse food for my family.”

She also sells surplus produce from her farm at the local market. The additional income has helped ease her family’s financial challenges. Joyce said, “The health of my family has changed since I can now afford to get medication and buy necessary food for my children.”

Her participation in the Empowering Leaders Through Nutrition-Smart Agriculture project led to an employment opportunity in Hope for South Sudan’s school garden. Her salary has further improved her family’s economic situation and ensures she is able to meet her children’s basic needs.

Joyce is one of many farmers in the community who are seeing improvements to their crop yields and incomes. Anthony, deputy director of Hope for South Sudan, supervises the farmers who work at the school. He said that there has been an “increase in food production” and “reduction in malnutrition” among the farmers and their families. “There is also a good approach to farming as compared to before this project in the community.”

Ultimately, Joyce has found her passion. “I am very proud to work in agriculture,” she said. “I am passionate about the land.” She noted that it has “completely changed” her life, and she is excited to do more. “I am looking forward to acquiring more knowledge and skills to improve my farm, creating greater passion and dedication for agriculture.”

Economic empowerment for Joyce and families around the world is made possible through your support. Donate today to help underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.