Knowledge on early warning systems empowers South Sudan farming communities

In Ajieriek Boma, situated in Malual Bai Payam of Aweil East County, lives Akuac Tong Kon, a hard-working mother of seven who has been progressing well as a small-scale farmer, but the presence of floods in her area greatly affected her farming and her way of life. In 2007, after losing her home and crops to floods in Mayom Dok Boma of Malual Bai Payam, Akuac decided to move to Ajieriek to find safety and stability.

“The floods in Mayom Dok made farming difficult for me, leaving me unable to provide for my family, and food was scarce for my children,” said Akuac.

Upon her arrival in Ajieriek, she said, “I was very happy seeing high ground which can provide a natural cover against flooding.” This encouraged me to build a home, and I started farming. Within just a period of one year, I successfully cultivated various crops, including vegetables, maize, and sorghum, witnessing a great harvest in this fertile land. 

However, in the recent years, I noticed some changes as floods have begun to invade certain areas of Ajieriek, slowly reaching parts of my sorghum farm. “These worrying changes will not only affect my farming but also my livelihood.” The once-reliable land she knew is being challenged by the increasing unpredictability of weather change.

Early this year, the 50-year-old was fortunate to be part of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Early Warning Systems (EWS) Committee in Ajieriek; this opportunity helped her learn more about floods and their early signs. By taking part in these activities, she has become skilled at identifying places that often get flooded, and she measures water levels using label sticks. 

This knowledge is important because she can now see the early signs of flooding, which helps her, and other women prepare in time. She has also learnt which low areas are most at risk of flooding. Akuac's work not only helps her but also makes her community safer and stronger.

The Nexus Accelerator Fund (NAF) activities in Aweil East and Aweil North County are helping community members to learn about DDR and EWS and its benefits to local farming. Farmers like Akuac have benefitted from this programme. Farming is her way of providing food for her family. 

With the new knowledge she has gained, Akuac feels more confident in her farming and worries less about losing her crops to floods, which used to be her big challenge. This understanding of how to identify disaster signs at an early stage has made her hopeful for better harvests in the near future. 

“I give thanks to World Vision for providing such trainings; farmers in Ajieriek have enhanced their understanding of identifying flood-prone areas, allowing them to avoid from building or farming on these lands,” Akuac stated.

Story & photos by Alan Leju | Emergency Communication Officer