Agriculture Support Activities

Restoring livelihoods, strengthening food security, and rebuilding dignity for displaced communities.

Introduction

When families are forced to flee their homes, they leave behind more than land—they lose their source of food, income, stability, and identity. For many refugees and displaced families, farming is not just a livelihood; it is life itself.

In the midst of uncertainty and hardship, the Refugees Agency for Recovery and Rebuilding (RARR) stepped forward with a simple but powerful belief: when people are given the tools to grow their own food, they begin to rebuild their dignity, independence, and hope.

In 2025, within the challenging conditions of displacement, RARR implemented a comprehensive Agriculture Support Activities project designed to help refugee and vulnerable communities move from dependency to self-reliance. This initiative was not just about farming—it was about restoring control, rebuilding lives, and creating a pathway toward sustainable recovery.

What We Did

The Agriculture Support Activities project was implemented in Wedweil Refugee Settlement, where hundreds of families were struggling with food insecurity and limited access to livelihood opportunities.

This initiative was designed as a full agricultural cycle intervention, covering every stage from preparation to harvest:

  • Farmer identification and registration

  • Land assessment and preparation

  • Distribution of seeds and farming tools

  • Crop planting and field support

  • Harvest evaluation and learning

Through this structured approach, RARR ensured that support was not temporary—but sustainable and empowering.

How the Project Happened

1. Farmer Registration (February – May 2025)

The project began with one of the most important steps—identifying and registering farmers.

RARR worked closely with the community to identify individuals and families who had farming experience or interest. The registration process ensured:

  • Fair selection of beneficiaries

  • Inclusion of vulnerable households

  • Proper planning for resource distribution

During this phase, farmers were grouped based on support systems and coordination structures, ensuring efficient implementation of later activities.

This was more than a registration process—it was the foundation of trust between the organization and the community.

2. Agricultural Land Survey

Before any planting could begin, RARR conducted a detailed land survey.

This phase aimed to:

  • Assess soil quality

  • Identify suitable farming areas

  • Understand environmental conditions

  • Plan crop suitability

The findings were promising. The land showed moderate to high fertility, meaning that with proper management, it could produce strong yields.

This step was critical—it ensured that efforts would not be wasted and that farmers had the best possible chance of success.

3. Distribution of Agricultural Land

Following the survey, land was distributed to registered farmers.

Each farmer received access to agricultural plots, allowing them to begin cultivation. The distribution included:

  • Accessible land near settlements

  • Allocation based on family size and capacity

  • Fair and transparent distribution process

For many families, this was the first time since displacement that they had land to call their own again.

4. Seed Distribution

Seeds represent possibility. They are small, but they carry the promise of food, income, and survival.

RARR distributed a variety of seeds to support diverse crop production, including:

  • Maize

  • Sorghum

  • Vegetables

  • Onions

  • Okra

  • Watermelon

  • Squash

  • Pumpkin

This diversity ensured:

  • Nutritional balance

  • Risk reduction in case of crop failure

  • Opportunities for income generation

Each seed given was not just a resource—it was an investment in the future of a family.

5. Distribution of Farming Tools

Alongside seeds, farmers received essential tools required for effective cultivation:

  • Hoes

  • Rakes

  • Axes

  • Hand plows

  • Sieves

  • Plowshares

Without tools, land cannot be transformed. With tools, farmers regain their ability to work, produce, and provide.

This phase restored something deeper than productivity—it restored confidence and independence.

7. Crop Planting

With land ready and seeds in hand, farmers began planting.

This phase included:

  • Practical guidance on planting techniques

  • Timing aligned with rainfall

  • Safe use of inputs

  • Community collaboration

The fields began to transform—what was once empty land became rows of growing crops.

This was a powerful moment:
hope became visible.

8. Crop Monitoring and Support

Throughout the growing season, farmers faced challenges such as:

  • Irregular rainfall

  • Limited tools

  • Crop damage by animals

RARR provided technical support through an agricultural expert, helping farmers manage their crops and improve outcomes.

9. Harvesting and Evaluation

The final stage was harvesting—the moment when months of effort come to life.

Although the harvest reached approximately 40% of expected production, it still represented:

  • Food for families

  • Reduced dependence on aid

  • Practical learning for future seasons

Even where results fell short, the experience gained was invaluable.

What Changed

The Agriculture Support Activities project achieved significant outcomes:

  • 250 farmers supported

  • Hundreds of families benefited

  • Improved access to food

  • Strengthened self-reliance

  • Increased community engagement

  • Practical agricultural knowledge gained

Beyond numbers, the real impact was:

  • Families eating from their own land

  • Parents providing for their children

  • Communities working together

Challenges We Faced

No humanitarian project is without challenges. This initiative faced several:

  • Delays in seed delivery

  • Limited farming equipment

  • Irregular rainfall

  • Crop damage by animals

  • Resource constraints

  • Tension over land use

These challenges highlight the realities of working in crisis environments—but they also provide lessons for improvement.

What We Learned

From these experiences, RARR identified key improvements:

  • Deliver inputs earlier before planting season

  • Increase availability of tools

  • Establish seed storage systems

  • Strengthen farmer protection measures

  • Improve coordination with host communities

These lessons are not setbacks—they are steps toward stronger, more effective future programs.

Why This Work Matters

Agriculture is not just about food—it is about:

  • Independence

  • Stability

  • Dignity

  • Long-term recovery

When a family can grow its own food, it reduces reliance on aid and builds resilience against future crises.

This project proved that even in displacement, life can grow again.

Help Us Grow More Than Crops 🌱

Your support helps families access seeds, tools, and training to rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and hope.

✔ Provide seeds to a family

✔ Support farming tools

✔ Fund agricultural training

✔ Expand food security programs

Programs

  • Emergency Relief

  • Agriculture

  • Shelter

  • Protection

  • Livelihoods

  • Education

Contact

Email: sheikhadam@rarr2024.org
Phone: +211 929 274 528
Location:
Wedweil Refugee Settlement, South Sudan