Farmers and agricultural stakeholders posing for photo during the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Field Day in Gumbo on 7^th September /2026/Credit: Awuou Michael   

By Awuou Michael

Agricultural stakeholders in Juba have called for stronger partnerships, knowledge sharing and market linkages to help farmers increase production and improve access to agricultural inputs and financial services.

The call was made during the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Field Day, which brought together farmers and agricultural stakeholders for practical demonstrations and discussions on farming as a business.

The Director of Gumbo Glow Agribusiness Company, Michael Pitia Sarafino, said his company was seeking partnerships to expand the supply of agricultural inputs and improved seeds.

“We are looking for opportunities to work with farmers, researchers and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural production,” Sarafino said.

Sarafino said the company is interested in expanding its activities and developing partnerships within and beyond South Sudan, including with stakeholders in Uganda, Kenya and Sudan.

“We want to explore more opportunities for cooperation, including regional partnerships with stakeholders in Uganda, Kenya and Sudan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Gondokoro Payam, Alison Keri, also called for stronger coordination, clear communication and proper planning among stakeholders involved in agricultural activities.

She said clearly defined responsibilities and regular communication would help reduce misunderstandings and delays during implementation.

“Teamwork and clear communication are important. Everyone involved should understand their responsibilities so that we can avoid misunderstandings and delays,” Keri said.

He also called for technology and equipment to be tested on a small scale before wider use, saying early testing could help identify challenges.

“We need to test the equipment first and identify any challenges before expanding its use,” Keri said.

On his part, the Director of Agriculture in Juba County, Kwaje Sarafino Mogga, said stronger links among farmers, technical teams, input suppliers, markets and financial institutions were needed to strengthen the agricultural value chain.

“We need stronger collaboration between farmers, technical teams and other actors in the value chain so that farmers can access inputs, markets and financial services,” Mogga said.

He urged farmers to base their production decisions on market demand to reduce the risk of producing crops without reliable markets.

“Before you decide what to plant, you need to understand the market. Farmers should know what is demanded and what prices are available,” he said.

Mogga also encouraged farmers to use soil testing and composting to improve soil management, while applying fertilizers and pesticides according to recommended practices.

“Farmers must choose the right variety before planting and follow the recommended timing and dosage when applying pesticides,” he said.

He further called for greater access to agricultural equipment and financing, including water pumps, which he said could help farmers expand production.

“If farmers can access financing for equipment such as water pumps, it can help them expand production and improve their farming activities,” Mogga said.

The field day concluded with a call for continued collaboration among farmers, agricultural organizations, private-sector actors and financial institutions to strengthen knowledge transfer, improve access to inputs and markets, and support sustainable agricultural production in Juba County.