Tonj, South Sudan

As the world’s youngest country, South Sudan faces immense challenges - and opportunities. South Sudan achieved independence in July 2011 following its secession from Sudan after decades of deadly civil war. War broke out again in 2013, pushing the country into a humanitarian crisis and leaving water systems neglected or destroyed. Lack of access to water is driving extreme hunger, poverty, protracted conflict and environmental degradation, and is exacerbating gender inequality and increasing the vulnerability of women and girls. The country is among the world’s most vulnerable to climate change and among the least equipped to fight back. Lasting peace requires a revival of the country’s agricultural sector, which begins with access to water. By harnessing local resources, we aim to support communities on the road to recovery, lasting peace and prosperity.

Tonj is located between the two constituencies of Alorweng and Angol in Tonj region, northwestern South Sudan. Agriculture and pastoralism are the two major means of livelihood in this region, with the majority of the communities engaging in subsistence farming and the rearing of livestock, particularly cattle. In Tonj, lack of sustainable access to resources is a primary cause of hunger, poverty, intercommunal conflict and environmental degradation. Our founder hails from Tonj region, providing significant advantage - through intimate local knowledge - in South Sudan’s challenging operational context.

Lack of access to water in South Sudan is a cause and consequence of war which continues to worsen the humanitarian situation. South Sudan lacks water infrastructure and the few available water points are a constant source of intertribal conflicts. Most solutions to the water crisis in South Sudan focus on drinking water. While this is vital, water for farming and livestock is equally life-saving, given that 95% of the population depends on farming and livestock rearing. Increasing droughts and flooding combined with instability leading to lack of infrastructure and sustainable management drives water insecurity, which adversely impacts the environmental, economic and social wellbeing of South Sudan and its people.

CAP Network's work with Rainmaker South Sudan and the affiliate community The Rainmaker Enterprise has begun in Tonj where they have drilled a well and are implementing a solar-powered irrigation system that will provide water for agriculture year-round. This project is expected to provide clean water for 3,000 people, support the production of up to 30,000kg of groundnuts and employ up to 50 women and youth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROJECT IN TONJ >>