Skip Navigation
Future Students   |   Current Students   |   Alumni   |   Community & Friends
Home  |  A-Z Index

IAP Sudan Projects

Sudanese Flag

Through cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the International Agriculture Programs Office at the University of Missouri is assisting in the implementation of the Participating Agency Service Agreement (PASA) between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and USDA which finances development assistance activities in collaboration with the Government of Southern Sudan.

List of Reports Available

2008

  • 3rd Quarter Report, Support to the Government of Southern Sudan Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA, April 1-June 30, 2008.
  • 2nd Quarter Report, Support to the Government of Southern Sudan Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA, January 1-March 31, 2008.

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

2008

Support to the Government of Southern Sudan Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA, 3rd Quarter Report, April 1 - June 30, 2008.

Major achievements in the third quarter of 2008 include the following:

  • Successful enumeration of all 10 states in southern Sudan during the Sudan Population Census,
  • Retrieval and storage of the majority of census materials following the end of the enumeration period.

Full Report (PDF)

Support to the Government of Southern Sudan Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA, 2nd Quarter Report, January 1 - March 31, 2008.

Major achievements in the second quarter of 2008 include the following:

With the assistance of USDA/PASA long and short term advisory staff;

  • The SSCCSE trained and recruited approximately 14,000 persons for work on the Sudan Population Census,
  • The SSCCSE Warehouse staff received, packed and re-distributed approximately 122 metric tons of census materials in preparation for the Sudan Population Census,
  • More than 4,500 maps were created for use during the Sudan Population Census.

Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2007

FY07 Annual Report of USAID/USDA PASA Activities in support of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) and the Three Areas (Abyei, Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan).

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on January 9, 2005, Sudan has made great strides in its transition from a nation at war, to one at peace. As we approach the three year anniversary of the CPA signing, the international community continues to work alongside dedicated Southern Sudanese to deliver the peace dividends promised to the people. The foundations of democracy and good governance continue to be strengthened through the efforts of both the Southern Sudanese, and the international partners engaged in supporting the implementation of the CPA.

Full Report (PDF)

Support to the Government of Southern Sudan Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA, 1st Quarter Report, October 1 – December 31, 2007.

Major achievements in the first quarter of 2008 include the following:

  • Finalization of census manuals and training materials for the April 2008 Sudan Population Census,
  • Establishment of the Natural Resources Working Group with the South Sudan Land Commission (SSLC),
  • Development of Terms of Reference for work to be completed by USDA PASA and IFPRI staff on development of the Food Security Analytical Agenda.

Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2006

Support to the Government of South Sudan and the Three Areas of the Transitional Zone

Activities implemented under the USAID-USDA PASA Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2005. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on Jan. 9, 2005, the international community has been galvanized into action in order to provide the peace dividend promised to the Sudanese and lay the foundation for democracy and good governance that will be required for successful implementation of the CPA. The activities carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in accordance with the terms of the Participating Agency Service Agreement (PASA) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have focused on support for the implementation of the CPA.

Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2005

Report of a Preliminary Assessment of Gender-Based Violence in Rumbek, Aweil, and the Nuba Mountains

In virtually all aspects of their lives, women and girls in South Sudan are exposed to gender based violence, according to an assessment conducted in three areas of South Sudan. Gender-based violence (GBV) is defined as any harm perpetrated against a person that results from unequal power relationships. While violence may take many forms, in South Sudan violence disparately impacts women and girls. As such forms of violence are cyclical, it will undoubtedly undermine efforts at reconstruction and development if left unaddressed. Domestic violence is the main form of GBV identified by those surveyed. In addition to beatings, women interviewed identified exclusion from education, not being recognized in public forums, not having access to property, not being able to negotiate custody of their children, not having a voice in whom or when their children marry as violations of their basic human rights. The assessment provides a variety of prevention activities including community education of basis human rights, reproductive health services, and legal assistance to victims of GBV. This assessment is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2004

Shea Forest Stands Mapping and Inventory in Yei County, South Sudan

The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa ssp. nilotica) grows abundantly in Yei County. The shea fruit is edible and the oil that is extracted from the kernels can be processed into cooking oil, soap and body oil. As shea fruits are collected and processed by women, this natural resource is valuable commodity to this marginalized group. Between February and March 2004, the Forestry Working Group assessed the economic potential of the resource. A total of 11 shea trees stands were mapped and inventoried. For each forest stand the team described the forest type, tree species composition, density per hectare, land use and damages. In addition, the survey team also observed the customary laws protecting the shea trees and the threats to these trees. This survey is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing effort to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Baseline Study on the Status of Women in the New Sudan: Report for Mundri and Yei Counties, Western Equatoria, Southern Sudan

In South Sudan, as a result of the civil war, women comprise approximately 60% of the population. Corresponding with this shift in demographics, more households in South Sudan are headed by women. In addition to their traditional roles as mothers and homemakers, women are now required to be the main breadwinners and providers of security. Despite, or rather due to, these increased responsibilities women are at risk of becoming further marginalized in post-conflict South Sudan. This baseline study of the status of women in Yei and Mundri counties provides a critical look at the realities of women’s lives, including women’s education levels, economic earning potentials, available health services, current legal status of women under both customary and statutory laws, and the impact of development strategies and policies on the rights of women in South Sudan. This study was conducted by the Women and Natural Resources Working Group, one of the six working groups of USAID’s Strategic Analysis Capacity Building (SACB) in Agriculture and Natural Resources which is implemented by USDA/University of Missouri.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2003

Aiding Trade: An Assessment of Trade in the Nuba Mountains

The signing of the cease-fire agreement in the Nuba Mountains in January 2002 has allowed trade between GoS-controlled Nuba and SPLM-controlled Nuba to take place. However, due to poor infrastructure, the presence of landmines, the lack of transport, and limited capacity and capital, the economy of SPLM/Nuba has been slow to recover. Despite these constraints, trade opportunities are beginning to diversify both the non-food and food items available in the SPLM-controlled markets. The purpose of this assessment, conducted in early 2003, is to examine conditions for trade as it currently exists in the Nuba Mountains. In order to improve conditions for trade, the assessment team recommends building the capacity of all traders to prevent the exploitative situation that occurred between northern and southern traders prior to the conflict. T his study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

The Nile Basin Initiative and its Implications in Post Conflict South Sudan

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), launched in 1999, is a regional partnership within which all ten Nile basin states ( Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) unite its shared vision “to achieve sustainable socio-economic development through the equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the common Nile Basin water resources.” As South Sudan prepares for peace, the shared vision of the basin countries will be put to the test if the vision of Sudan is not that of South Sudan. This paper discusses the salient legal issues that have confronted the management of the waters of the Nile and outlines the NBI programs that South Sudan should consider implementing. The major conclusions are that South Sudan can strategically make deals within the region to ensure that its geographic location in the basin makes it a major power broker in the Nile Basin. This paper is part of USDA/University of Missouri/University of Tuskegee’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Nuba Mountains Land and Natural Resources Study (Part I – Land Study)

Ethnic tension and Government of Sudan preference for large-scale mechanized agricultural schemes have restricted the Nuba people to the most infertile areas of the Nuba Mountains while the most productive parts of the area have been taken over by others. This imbalance has been one of the main factors that encouraged the Nuba to take up arms. The objective of this study, conducted from September to December 2003, was to gain an understanding of the main land access issues concerning people living in the Nuba Mountains. It is argued that without recognition and resolution of the grievances of the Nuba people, it will be impossible to find lasting peace in the Nuba Mountains. The environmental sustainability and politico-economic rationale behind mechanized farming is put into question by examining the agricultural practices prevalent in South Kordofan, the ethnographic context and the policy background to paint a picture of how conflict over land has arisen and how it could potentially be resolved. This study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Study of Indigenous Plants and Non-Timber Products as Related to Traditional Medicine in the Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile Region of South Sudan

It is estimated that in South Sudan more than 70 percent of health care is provided by traditional medicine healers. This is especially true in the isolated Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile regions where even with a ceasefire in effect the population relies on herbal remedies, family traditional medicine knowledge, or visits traditonal healers. By working with community members and traditional healers in these two regions, this study, which was carried out between October 2003 and March 2004, identifies some of the indigenous plants and non-timber products used in Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile regions as traditional medicine. In addition, the study also provides information on existing regional and international information on medicinal plants and their uses in traditional medicine, ongoing approaches to conservation and use of medicinal plant knowledge and healing practices in the region, and regional examples of traditonal healers and conventional medical practitioners working together with the aim of developing similar approaches for South Sudan. This study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

The Empowerment of Women Traders in Rashad County

It is estimated that women make up more than 50 percent of the trading force in the markets in Rashad County in the Nuba Mountains. Due to cultural bias, ignorance about trade and accounting practices, and limited access to products and funds, these women traders are marginalized. This report looks at the situation for women traders, attempts to define what ‘empowerment’ means in their context, and provides recommendations about the types of interventions that could possibly contribute towards their empowerment. The analysis follows a visit to Kauda in Rashad County in April/May 2003. The report is based on interviews with women traders of the markets in and around Kauda. T his study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Survey on Agriculture Human Resources in South Sudan and the Diaspora

Although South Sudan has the potential to be the breadbasket of Africa, the 20-year civil war has drained away trained agricultural professionals and prevented others from pursuing educational advancement. These conclusions are the results of a survey of available human agricultural resources and institutional capacities completed by the Agriculture Working Group. The questionnaires were designed to address specific areas, including personal data, educational qualifications, work experience, training received after joining current employment, and communications and transport equipment available. The survey recommends aiding interested agricultural candidates in securing scholarships and establishing agriculture training centers in Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile as those regions need greater number of technical personnel. This survey is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Assessment of Shea Forest Stands in Wulu Payam

Between January and March 2003, the Forestry Working Group surveyed more than 2,700 hectares of shea forest stands in Wulu Payam in South Sudan. Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa ssp. nilotica) is a deciduous savanna hardwood growing naturally and abundantly in South Sudan. The fruit of the tree is edible and the oil that is extracted from the kernels has a wide range of local uses such as food, soap and body oil. A total of seven shea forest stands were surveyed and inventoried. The survey found that shea trees have a higher density than other trees in these stands. This survey is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Forest Products Flow and Consumption Survey: A Case Study of Selected Towns and IDP Camps in Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile and Equatoria, Southern Sudan

A baseline study on the status of forests in and around towns and IDP camps in Southern Sudan has found that many of these woodland resources have been depleted. In Eastern Equatoria, natural forests and woodlands around and near Nimule, Ikotos and Lobone have been striped bare of trees leaving landscapes strewn with patchily distributed trees of little value. Most of the products used Yambio, Tambura, and Yei in Western Equatoria are collected from nearby teak plantations. These plantations are seriously depleted. Communities in Wudu town and the IDP camps of Mabia, Bamurye and Mangalatore collect their wood products from natural forests. In the Mangalatore IDP camp only a few scattered trees and shrubs remain. The status of forests and woodlands around and in proximity to the target towns in Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile are less degraded. Mahogany trees and palm trees are abundant and extend from Rumbek County to Yirol County. The study also looked at consumption patterns of households in the target towns and IDP camps. The study found that the average household consumes approximately 0.3 to 0.6m³ of firewood and approximately 50 kg of charcoal per week. As there are few alternatives for fuel or construction, households are dependent on forest resources. This study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Report on the Pre-Survey Visit to the Southern Portion of the Southern National Park

Southern National Park used to be one of the richest parks in South Sudan in terms of biological diversity and abundance. Its geographic location together with its vast area made it suitable to accommodate varied ecosystems and to host rich biodiversity. The 20-year civil war has greatly affected the conditions found in the park. Animals that used to be abundant in the park, are reported to have migrated to neighboring countries. The civil war has also impacted the lives of the communities in and around the park. There has been a lost of life, property and basic infrastructure. Additionally, as bush meat was a large part of the diet of communities living in and around the park and with the migration of numerous wildlife species, food security in the region has decreased. Despite the decline in wildlife populations, uncontrolled hunting is still prevalent. Bush meat is readily found in the local markets. Further evidence showed that there is an organized trade in ivory carvings. A team of South Sudanese wildlife specialists, supported by U.S. Department of Agriculture/University of Missouri, completed a baseline study of Southern National Park to gather information on the current status of the park and as a first step in bolstering conservation plans . This study, along with surveys of Nimule and Boma National Parks, is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2002

Trading for Peace: An Overview of Markets and Trading Practices, with Particular Reference to the Peace Markets of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan

Despite the difficulties wrought by decades of war, trade has not been dormant in the Transition Zone, the region that lies on the border of North and South Sudan. A study of markets in northern Bahr el Ghazal investigates the impact that Peace Markets have had on peaceful coexistence. Peace Markets were created through local initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence. The Peace Markets have ensured a much-needed supply of manufactured goods to northern Bahr el Ghazal from the North. Despite the success of the markets, producers of local goods are unable to take full economic advantage of the markets. Nonetheless, the Peace Markets provide the opportunity for great potential if effective utilization of the markets is improved. This study, funded by USAID/OFDA, was supported by USDA/University of Missouri and is part of an ongoing effort to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

The Impact of Conflict on Nimule National Park: The Food Security Survey

For the more 46,000 people living in and around Nimule National Park in southern South Sudan there has been a serious decline in livelihood activities and a subsequent deterioration in food security due to the civil conflict. This decline in food security will have a negative impact on the natural resources of the area as more people turn to wild food collection and wild game hunting to sustain their households. The overall objective of this survey was to gather basic data that would help in developing a community-based livelihood strategy in order to reduce pressure on wildlife and enhance food security. Survey recommendations encourage increasing focus on traditional livelihood activities such as improved crop production and livestock management. This study, along with surveys of Boma and Southern National Parks, is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Post Harvest Grain Losses in On-Farm and Cooperative Stores, A Case Study of Maridi and Yambio Counties

Despite improvements in grain varieties and years of grain surpluses, grain storage methods in Western Equatoria, South Sudan have not changed. Farmers in this region store surplus yields, sometimes totaling more that 100 MT, in traditional, thatched-roofed, mud-walled stores designed to hold no more than 30 MT. As a result, in May 2000, 40 percent of that year’s harvest was lost to mold and pest infestation. In response to reports of such losses, USDA/University of Missouri supported a study of post harvest grain losses in Yambio and Maridi counties in Western Equatoria. The study found that storage options had not kept pace with increasing yields. This disparity led not only to increased post-harvest grain losses, but also to farmer frustration and a reduction in acres cultivated. This study, funded by USAID/OFDA, was supported by USDA/University of Missouri and is part of an ongoing effort to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Geologic Survey of Kapoeta County

South Sudan is one of the least geologically investigated areas of the world. Apart from a few exploration activities, very little effort has been exerted to understand the geology of the region. The Geology Working Group, one of the six Strategic Analysis and Capacity Building Working Groups, undertook a six-week reconnaissance survey in Kapoeta County in April 2002 to develop a general overview of the geology of the area. The team also updated topographic maps from the 1930s and 1940s which were the only maps available for the region. The team concluded that this region is on the western edge of the Rift Valley. In addition to gold, which local people have been panning for decades and using for trade, the region also contains numerous minerals of commercial value including quartz, chalcedony, agate, ilmenite and magnetite. This study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Revitalizing Markets and Trade in a Transition Zone: Lessons from USAID Efforts to Promote Economic Rehabilitation in Southern Sudan

USAID and other donors have spent billions of dollars in humanitarian and development assistance to alleviate suffering due to the ongoing conflict and widespread food insecurity in the Greater Horn of Africa. The example of the USAID’s work in stable areas of southern Sudan demonstrates how limited targeted assistance can improve the capacity of the local population to meet their own needs, even before a conflict has ended. This paper assesses the impact of USAID pilot activities targeting the revitalization of agriculture in southern Sudan. Analysis of trade, market, and farm level data collected in northwestern Uganda and Western Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal provinces in southern Sudan provides the evidence of USAID’s program impact in improving food security and providing the population with the means to make the transition from relief to development.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2001

Agricultural Commodity Flows and Marketing Constraints in South Sudan

The civil war in South Sudan disrupted most commercial activity and infrastructure. However, thanks to a handful of cattle traders who ventured with their cattle to markets in Uganda and Kenya, there is now an emerging export and import trade between South Sudan and the neighboring countries. This paper analyzes the flow of commodities in the marketing system of South Sudan and describes the constraints faced by the marketing system. The results of this study show that livestock trade, though lucrative, could be more efficient if the share of producers in the marketing system is increased. The results also show that there is an increase in the volume of imports, which should be viewed as an indication of the rise in the level of confidence in South Sudan of the return of peace. This study is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

The Impact of Conflict on the Boma National Park: The Status of Food Security, Wildlife and Livestock (2001)

Previously home to one of the largest wildlife migrations in the world, conditions in Boma National Park, one South Sudan’s last remaining national parks, have diminished drastically due to the impact of the 20-year civil war. A U.S. Department of Agriculture/University of Missouri supported team of South Sudanese wildlife and livestock specialist completed a baseline survey of wildlife, livestock and food security conditions within Boma National Park, including a survey of the five ethnic groups living in and around the park. In addition to the severely diminished wildlife and ecological conditions, consumption levels of the communities in and around the park have significantly declined compared to pre-conflict levels. This study, along with surveys of Nimule and Southern National Parks, is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top

2000

Pilot Survey of Nimule National Park

The first of three surveys of South Sudan’s remaining national parks, the survey of Nimule National Park focused on the impact of the 20-year civil war on wildlife populations within the Park. Originally, established as a refuge for the northern white rhino, Nimule National Park has suffered more than the other parks from the impacts of the civil war. Previous surveys, conducted in the 1980s, established that poaching and war activity had destroyed the local white rhino population and decimated the elephant population. Also, as internally displaced persons (IDPs) settled in the area, the human populations in and around the Park had swelled from 2,000 to 40,000. This increase in population size has lead to rampant poaching and illicit cutting of trees for fuel wood. Nonetheless, the survey found that the Park still harbors considerable wildlife resources, both animals and bird life, and needs urgent protection and management. This study, along with surveys of Boma and Southern National Parks, is part of USDA/University of Missouri’s ongoing efforts to promote increased agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and capacity building in Southern Sudan.

Summary (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)

Back to Top