- A maize and sorghum cooperative in South Sudan expanded from 20 to over 150 members in just one year.
- Louis Bagare from FAO stated cooperatives are critical to lifting South Sudan out of poverty.
- Cooperatives serve as a means of encouraging peace and stability in a tumultuous region.
- Deng William Achiek noted that cooperatives have shifted mindsets and brought stability.
- Democratic structures in cooperatives may inspire broader national governance improvements.
- Cooperatives provide alternatives to violence for youth through sustainable economic opportunities.
- Historically, cooperatives have been part of South Sudan’s culture, highlighting their significance.
Cooperatives as Drivers of Economic Growth and Peace
Cooperatives are proving to be a beacon of hope in the war-torn landscape of South Sudan. Just one year ago, a maize and sorghum cooperative founded by merely 20 members in the Central Equatorial State has astonishingly surged to over 150 members, leading many to improve their income and for many families, it is the first time they find themselves in a better position financially. According to Louis Bagare, the cooperative project manager at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in South Sudan, the ability of cooperatives to help South Sudanese citizens enhance their livelihoods cannot be overstated—”this is the only way for South Sudan to move out of poverty” he asserted, urging the significance of these community-driven economic models.
Building Communities Through Cooperation
The International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated every 5 July, serves as an important reminder of the role of these organizations not just in improving individual lives but also contributing to local and national stability. In a country riddled with poverty, looting, and violence, especially among youth, cooperatives stand out as potential instruments of peace. Mr. Bagare emphasizes that cooperatives carry the weight of bringing long-term stability, claiming that “cooperatives really changed the mindset of our people.” His sentiment is echoed by Deng William Achiek, who suggests that these groups have facilitated stability and optimism after years of conflict and unrest.
The Historical Significance of Cooperatives
At the core of cooperatives is a voluntary and democratic structure where members unite to mitigate risks, share labor, and increase overall income. The Director-General for Cooperative Development in South Sudan, Oneil Yosia Damia, describes this decentralized governance model as crucial—people can only elevate their social status when they band together within a cooperative. As Bagare points out, this democratic engagement at the grassroots level could potentially impact national governance, promoting wider acceptance of democratic values throughout South Sudan. Furthermore, cooperatives combat violence by offering economic opportunities especially towards youth who might otherwise resort to criminal activities. Bagare states, “When, especially the youth, are engaged in productive activities that generate income, they will not have the interest to pick a gun to go and fight or to rob and loot.” This is a step forward for a country that has seen too many young people caught in a cycle of violence.
A Vision of Unity and Recovery
Currently, South Sudan hosts cooperatives of diverse natures. While agriculture-based groups primarily dominate the scene, one can find cooperatives in soap, bread, and textiles as well. Importantly, cooperatives have not just popped up overnight; they are embedded deeply within the cultural fabric of the nation and were prevalent even during a so-called “golden era” before civil war erupted in 2011. Mr. Daima, also from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is aiming to restore this spirit: “I want our cooperatives to be as busy as bees. This is the spirit of oneness, of unity.” Mr. Bagare illuminates a vision for cooperatives’ involvement in every sector, not limited to agriculture, advocating for collaboration over conflict, stating that through unity we can craft a better future and avoid self-destruction.
The strides made by cooperatives in South Sudan have shown remarkable promise as they not only improve livelihoods but may also pave the way for lasting peace. Leaders from various sectors have acknowledged that these organizations can transform local economies and communities, particularly for the youth who have long been embroiled in violence. Ultimately, if the spirit of oneness continues to grow among cooperatives, South Sudan will be set on a path towards stability and recovery in the years to come.
