04/03/2026
Inspire South Sudan empowers rural women through watermelon agribusiness in Mundri West
By: Ibrahim Lexson Saki
Staff – Inspire South Sudan (ISS)
Date: 3rd March 2026
The Strengthening Women’s Agribusiness Initiative implemented in Boro Boma Amadi Payam, Mundri West County, represents a remarkable step toward empowering rural women through sustainable agriculture and cooperative development. The initiative focused on promoting watermelon plantation as a climate-resilient and market-oriented agribusiness enterprise that supports household nutrition, income generation, and community economic stability.
This achievement was made possible through the dedicated advocacy and strategic lobbying efforts of the senior management of Inspire South Sudan, who worked tirelessly to mobilize resources and secure funding for the project in 2024. Their leadership demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women and strengthening community-based economic systems in Mundri West.
The project aimed to organize women into local agribusiness cooperatives, enabling them to collectively engage in watermelon farming while building skills in modern cultivation techniques, farm management, and sustainable land use. Through this initiative, women participants received practical support in land preparation, planting, weeding, and crop maintenance.
Watermelon plantation was selected due to its high market demand, relatively short growing cycle, and adaptability to local climatic conditions in Western Equatoria. The project contributed to food security by increasing fruit availability at household and community levels, while also creating income opportunities for women farmers.
Beyond farming, the initiative strengthened social cohesion and economic resilience among women groups in Boro Boma. Cooperative members were trained on group savings culture, collective marketing, and basic entrepreneurship principles to enhance long-term sustainability.
The successful implementation of this initiative reflects the vision of Inspire South Sudan’s leadership in promoting women’s economic empowerment, climate-smart agriculture, and community transformation. The organization’s senior management played a key role in engaging partners and advocating for financial support that made the 2024 funding possible.
The communities of Boro Boma, particularly women farmers, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program. The initiative has not only improved livelihoods but also strengthened women’s confidence, leadership capacity, and participation in local development.
The project stands as a model for future agribusiness interventions in Mundri West County, demonstrating how community-driven agriculture can contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable rural development.
Thanks to the senior management of Inspire South Sudan for their visionary leadership and successful lobbying that secured funding for this life-changing initiative in 2024.
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