JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, June 3, 2024 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) proudly announces the receipt of a $66,877 grant from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support the Emergency Locusts and Other Pests Response Project (ELRP) in Aweil North, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, South Sudan.
The ELRP aims to enhance food production and build resilience for 3,000 vulnerable smallholder farmers who are facing severe food insecurity due to the impact of desert locusts and other pests. Over the next three months, the project will distribute livelihood kits, train farmers in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture practices, and provide education on post-harvest handling and pest management.
"Desert locusts and other pests significantly reduce crop and livestock production in South Sudan," said John Gaaniko, Country Director for VWB/VSF in South Sudan. "Through this project, VWB/VSF will establish a community-based surveillance system and educate farmers on pest control via community awareness initiatives and farmer field schools."
Taban Kaps Robert, Program Manager, added, "Crop pests have a devastating impact on food production. The loss caused by locusts exacerbates the already critical food security situation. Projects like this are crucial for strengthening household resilience and improving food security at the community level."
About FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Their goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union - FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. To learn more about the FAO, please visit: www.fao.org
About VWB/VSF: Using a One Health approach, VWB/VSF collaborates with communities to improve animal health, human health, and environmental sustainability. Operating in Africa and Asia, VWB/VSF provides veterinary and agricultural services, promotes sustainable animal production, and supports natural resource management. VWB/VSF has worked in South Sudan’s Warrap, Jonglei, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, and Eastern Equatoria States since 2013 to improve food security and livelihoods. To learn more about VWB/VSF, please visit: www.vwb.org
Media Contact:
Tanja Kisslinger
VWB/VSF North America
tanja@vwb.org / +1 613 413 5776
