Background

ICPALD funded by the World Bank Group developed an IGAD regional strategy on resilient and sustainable livestock to effects of climate change. After validation of the regional strategy, three countries; Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan were selected for domestication with further financial support from the WB’s Program for Climate-Smart Livestock Systems (PCLS – P175704). A small grant from the World Bank Food and Agriculture Global Practice (AGF GP) will be used to tailor some elements of the strategy to national circumstances and support the development of national investment plans that align with resilient and sustainable livestock development for the countries. Phase I report on stocktaking and gaps analysis was finalized and validated on September 16, 2022 in Juba, South Sudan.

Objective: To validate the draft national report on identified investment gaps for resilient and sustainable livestock in South Sudan.

Opening Remarks

Dr. Agol Malak Kwai, the Chief Veterinary Officer, officially opened the one-day validation meeting. He reminded participants of the value of the strategy in building a resilient livestock sector in the country, which is the main livelihood earner for a greater part of the country’s population, despite many challenges attributed to effects of climate change. These range from cattle rustling to restocking after deaths associated either with drought, floods, diseases, pests among others. Identification of clear investment plans will guide the country’s investment, and should include clear policies and laws; the development of the livestock master plan among other policies come in handy. Dr. Wamalwa Kinyanjui made welcome remarks on behalf of the ICPALD Director, Dr. Dereje Wakjira. The meeting was attended by 28 participants drawn from the Ministries of Livestock, Environment, Juba University, FAO, NGOs and ICPALD.

The presentation was a summary of stocktaking and gap analysis report by Tongun.

Discussion Points

Discussions revolved around the relevance and coverage of policies, bills, strategies and programs, such as national livestock development policy, meat control and slaughter facility bill, animal welfare strategy & action plan, building resilience for food and nutrition security in the Horn of Africa-South Sudan component. It was noted that the National Agricultural Livestock Extension Policy (NALEP) is outdated and requires review.

Investments Identified

1. Enactment of laws and policies
2. Infrastructure development
3. Capacity building and research
4. Natural resource management
5. Early warning system
6. Financial access
7. Private sector investment

The consultant was tasked to review the gaps in Enactment of laws and policies; Livestock breed improvement and infrastructure development; Capacity building and research; Natural resource management; Early warning system.