ERIE Evaluation of BHA Emergency Crop Intervention, South Sudan, Pilot Study 2: Agricultural Markets, Value Addition, and Trade Development

<p dir="ltr">This report presents findings from an ethnographically informed retrospective evaluation of the Agricultural Markets, Value Addition, and Trade Development (AMVAT) Project, implemented by CARE International in South Sudan. The AMVAT project aimed to promote long-term food security and build sustainable livelihoods by advancing commercial agriculture through cooperative formation, farmer training, seed distribution and fairs, support for Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), the establishment of processing centers, and enhanced market linkages for both residents and displaced populations impacted by flooding, conflict, and insecurity. Analysis of ethnographic interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) indicates that the project was broadly successful, with high participant satisfaction for agriculture and VSLA training, groundnut seeds, market linkages, and the potential for expanding commercial agriculture. The project’s objective to transition pastoral populations to settled farming met with partial success, as participants continue to see agriculture primarily as a pathway back into cattle-herding rather than as a primary livelihood. Dissatisfaction was noted with the quality of the sorghum seed and delays in the handover of Agricultural Business Centers (ABCs) due to delay in construction and furnishing with processing equipment. Participants also reported persistent insecurity, which hindered their ability to visit their fields and harvest crops.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">Overall, despite the challenges posed by insecurity, the AMVAT project effectively transferred knowledge and fostered enthusiasm for commercial agriculture. Moving forward, realistic expectations for growth and market capacity will be essential. The project’s success also relied heavily on over a decade of peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives that laid the foundation for the rapid establishment, growth, and training of cooperatives.</p>