- Cooperatives in South Sudan grew from 20 to over 150 members, boosting income.
- Louis Bagare emphasizes that cooperatives contribute to South Sudan’s economy.
- Cooperatives can play a significant role in fostering peace and stability.
- A democratic model in cooperatives encourages economic growth and community engagement.
- Youth involved in cooperatives tend to avoid violence and crime.
Cooperatives as a Catalyst for Economic Development
South Sudan, a nation healing from years of turmoil, is witnessing a remarkable transformation thanks to cooperatives. In just a year, a cooperative focused on maize and sorghum has expanded dramatically from 20 to over 150 members. This growth has not only bolstered individual incomes but also alleviated poverty for many families, providing needed support and resources. Louis Bagare, the project manager for cooperatives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in South Sudan, emphasizes that these cooperatives are crucial for both personal livelihood enhancement and broader economic improvement. His insights come in advance of the International Day of Cooperatives, which takes place on July 5 every year, focusing on how these collectives help meet essential needs amid inadequate individual efforts.
Addressing Violence Through Cooperation
However, the benefits of cooperatives extend far beyond mere financial upliftment. As Bagare points out, they can also serve as pathways to peace in a nation beleaguered by conflict. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has grappled with civil war and subsequent peace agreements that have, unfortunately, proven fragile. Violence, often driven by youth desperation, looms over communities already tormented by severe food shortages and climate challenges. Yet cooperatives cultivate a “spirit of oneness” and a mentality geared towards stability, a sentiment echoed by Deng William Achiek, who serves as the director for rural producers in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Achiek stresses that reinforcing the cooperative model can indeed alter community dynamics.
Promoting Empowerment Through Collective Efforts
Cooperatives function as voluntary organizations where members share risks and rewards, enhancing their collective prosperity. Oneil Yosia Damia, Director-General for Cooperative Development in South Sudan, describes these entities as associations that empower individuals to elevate their living standards through collaboration. Such a democratic structure could inspire increased political participation at the national level, as seen in the aspirations expressed by FAO’s Bagare. The focus on income generation rather than violence serves as another essential argument for cooperatives. Young individuals given meaningful economic engagement via cooperatives are less inclined to resort to crime. “When community members collaborate, they can address their livelihood challenges more effectively,” says Bagare, highlighting a critical social shift.
Looking to the Future of Cooperatives
The landscape of cooperatives in South Sudan is varied. Agricultural entities lead the charge, but ventures also include producing items such as soap and textiles. According to Bagare, this cooperative culture isn’t something new; it has firm roots in the historical context of South Sudan. He reminisces about a “golden era” prior to the civil unrest, suggesting a revival is achievable if collective efforts are embraced. Daima expresses a desire to see their cooperatives flourish, stating, “I want our cooperatives to be as busy as bees. This is the spirit of oneness, of unity.” Both officials remain hopeful that cooperatives will penetrate all sectors of the economy in the future, emphasizing that collaboration over conflict can lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow in South Sudan.
In summary, cooperatives in South Sudan have evolved from basic community groups into significant catalysts for social stability and economic improvement. The expansion of these organizations has shown promising results in personal livelihood and community resilience. As various stakeholders work to revitalize and expand the cooperative movement, there’s hope that they can foster a culture of unity and peace that extends well beyond agriculture, potentially reshaping South Sudan’s future.
