Intercommunal violence, cattle raiding, and frequent attacks are crippling agriculture, pushing an already vulnerable population closer to disaster.
For generations, the people of Jonglei have relied on farming, cattle-keeping, and fishing. But in recent years, this way of life has been severely disrupted by violent clashes over land, water, and cattle — often involving armed youth from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
The consequences are devastating for local farmers. Fear of attacks prevents many from accessing their fields, particularly women, who play a vital role in food production. The constant threat of rape, abduction, and violence has driven thousands from rural areas into towns, drastically shrinking the agricultural labor force.
Mary Ajah, a farmer from Baidit Payam, now lives in Bor Town with her six children after fleeing her village.
“I moved two years ago after armed youth attacked Angakuei village. I left my farm and now struggle to feed my children,” she said. “We just want peace so we can return to our farms.”
Nhial Achiek, currently living in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Bor, shares a similar story.
“We don’t have enough space here to cultivate. The little land we have is not suitable for farming,” he said. “We used to rely on our harvests. Now there is no land and no food aid either.”
Achiek urged the state government to prioritize peace talks with neighboring communities to allow displaced families to return and rebuild their livelihoods.
According to John Ateny Biar, Director of Agriculture for Bor County, farming has declined dramatically over the past two years.
“Most productive areas like Kolnyang, Aniyidi, Baidit, and Jalle have been abandoned. This has greatly affected crop production,” Biar said. “But some parts of Baidit are beginning to show signs of recovery.”
He encouraged group farming as a way to improve security and productivity, adding:
“When people farm together, it enhances safety. The government is working to stabilize the situation, but teamwork is also needed to restore food production.”
Insecurity has not only displaced farmers but also disrupted the broader agricultural system. Food stores have been looted, boreholes and irrigation systems destroyed, and the transport of seeds and tools has become dangerous due to ambushes and roadblocks. Once-vibrant local markets now suffer from low supply and soaring food prices, putting basic goods beyond the reach of many families.
Although floods and droughts further strain yields, insecurity remains the biggest obstacle. With communities focused on survival, investment in modern farming techniques or climate-smart practices is nearly impossible.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies continue to deliver aid, but their efforts are limited. The UN has already warned that without peace and stronger humanitarian support, parts of Jonglei could soon slide into “Catastrophe” levels of food insecurity.
This crisis underscores a painful truth: peace is not just the absence of war, but the foundation of a thriving society. Until violence ends and trust is restored, Jonglei’s people will continue to reap a bitter harvest from a land of untapped potential.
