“Cooperatives are a system that allows southern suddens to improve their livelihoods, but at the same time, also contributes to the economy … This is the only way for South Sudan to leave poverty,” said Louis Bagare Project Manager of food and agricultural cooperatives (Fao) In South Sudan.
He spoke before International Cooperative DayWho is celebrated every July 5, and who emphasizes how cooperatives allow people to provide for their basic needs in contexts where individuals working alone are insufficient.
A path to peace
In South Sudan, the potential of cooperatives extends beyond economic empowerment.
A farmer from South Sudan Till his land.
“Cooperatives are one of the avenues that can bring peace and stability to South Sudan,” said Mr. Bagare.
For more than a decade, South Sudan has been faced with many challenges that come across. After its independence in 2011, a civil war broke out, concluding in 2018 with a peace agreement. But this peace is more fragile that never.
Pillage and inter -municipal violence, mainly perpetrated by young people, continues to be an omnipresent concern for many communities which are already confronted food insecurity and continuous climatic shocks.
In this context, cooperatives provide a glimmer of hope.
“Cooperatives have really changed the state of mind of our people and brought stability to the country,” said Deng William Aachiek, director of rural producers from the Sudan Ministry of South South Agriculture and Food Security.
But what can cooperatives inaugurate lasting peace?
A voluntary and democratic group
Cooperatives are voluntary economic organizations in which members share risk, work and income.
“A cooperative is a democratic social association of people who, as an individual, cannot improve their status of life and social status … But once they meet in a cooperative, they can then increase the level of their lives,” said Oneil Yosia Damia, Director General of Cooperative Development in South Sudan.
A cooperative of southern Sudan farmers has been trained in the production of seeds by FAO.
FaoLouis Bagare believes that this type of democratic approach to governance at the local level will go to the national level and encourage more widespread adhesion to a democratic form of governance through South Sudan.
Income, no firearms
In addition to providing a model of democratic governance, cooperatives also allow economic growth and development, providing communities – especially young people – a viable and lasting alternative to looting.
“When, in particular young people, are engaged in productive activities that generate income, they will not have the point of choosing a firearm to go fight or to fly and loot,” said Bagare.
In South Sudan, communities that form cooperatives often do not have enough individual resources to maintain a sustainable livelihood, a reality that pushes young people to violent looting for survival.
” When [community members] Work together, when they bring together ideas, when they bring together resources, it is much easier for them to overcome their livelihoods, “said Bagare.
Bagare also explained that banks are more ready to invest in groups and that organizations like FAO are more likely to provide support for cooperatives. But in the end, the objective is that it will not be long term.
“The emphasis is placed on the strengthening of their capacity so that they can create lives,” said Bagare.
A historical structure in the youngest country in the world
In South Sudan, there are cooperatives of each shape and size. Massively, these cooperatives are agricultural, but some also produce soap, bread and textiles. The history of South Sudan is populated by examples of this type of work.
“Cooperatives are not something now. This is part of the culture of South Sudan, ”said Bagare.
Mr. Daima referred to “the golden era” of the cooperatives that existed before the civil war in 2011. He said that his office in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety works with diligence to return to that time.
“I want our cooperatives to be as busy as bees. It is the spirit of unity, of unity, ”said Mr. Daima.
Mr. Bagare hopes for a future in South Sudan where cooperatives are part of each economic sector – not just agriculture.
“If we are able to work together, we can become better people tomorrow. But when we continue to fight only, we will continue to destroy ourselves. ”