The FIT Program involves edible insect farming for improved nutrition and income in South Sudan.
South Sudan is facing a state of emergency around food security and livelihoods. In South Sudan, there has been a significant depletion of available natural food resources due to both flooding and severe dry hot periods.
Families rarely slaughter domestic livestock and typically Instead rely on bushmeat and wild animals as a source of protein. However, these have been on the decline over the last few years.
As a result of the decline in traditional food sources, people in EEQ and Jonglei state have begun harvesting edible insects. However, harvesters lack insect rearing knowledge and skills and have yet to adopt practices of semi-domestication and indoor insect farming.
Currently, insect harvesting transpires at night and is predominantly undertaken by women and youth, representing a significant risk of gender-based violence.
Veterinarians Without Borders North America couldn't do the work we do without your support. Whether it's a financial donation or a donation of your time, by improving the health of animals you will be working to improve the health and quality of life for people throughout the world.
FIT is a research program which seeks to mitigate the effects of malnutrition and gender-related challenges in South Sudan through the production and marketing of edible insects.
In addition, the project focuses on capacity building for target groups in appropriate insect rearing production techniques, insect farming and consumption, dietary benefits, insect food preparation, processing for value addition and business and entrepreneurship skill.
The Project is working with 200 beneficiaries (80% women and girls and 20% men and boys) to improve their skills in insect farming, marketing and preparation as food to improve nutrition and is implemented in Eastern Equatoria State and Jonglei State.
VWB/VSF Canada has implemented successful insect farming in Kenya, Uganda, and in Southeast Asia.
In recognition of World Zoonoses Day 2026, this article explores how community-centered One Health approaches can help detect, prevent, and respond to zoonotic diseases before they become global health emergencies.
#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you stories from the field shared by passionate VETS program volunteers. Meet Vincent Auclair, a Fundraising Advisor who spent four and a half months in Cambodia (January–May 2026) with our local partner, AVSF Cambodia, supporting proposal development, fundraising systems, and organizational capacity strengthening.
From Community Animal Health Workers to livestock keepers participating in the Passing-on-the-Gift model, communities across South Sudan are carrying forward the skills, knowledge, and systems strengthened through the 1-SHOP project. As the project concludes, we reflect on the lasting impacts of this community-led approach to resilience.
