This study assesses the state of markets and of jobs in market-linked agriculture in the towns of South Sudan. It is based on a 2019 market trader survey end extensive qualitative work. Agriculture provides most urban livelihoods, and there is high potential for raising production. However, insecurity has disrupted all elements of agricultural markets, from production to the transformation of produce, trade networks, and demand. Market activity is recovering, but food system value chains are few and short. While most market activities are small-time and profits slim, most traders rely on their activities for most of their household’s income, and many provide jobs for hired helpers. Local products face competition from imports as insecurity makes it difficult for aggregators to operate. A lack of funds, bad and dangerous roads, low demand, and inflation are the most prominent obstacles to business in the markets. The study is one of a set of four reports assessing different aspects of jobs in urban South Sudan in order to formulate policy for recovery.
08 October 2026
The CSRF will go on hiatus as feedback on a funding proposal for continued operations is pending. Normal operations continue until 31 October 2026. Please continue to use the resources on the website, which will be maintained into 2027 regardless of the funding situation. We ask for your understanding as new outputs, trainings, and events go on pause, or if queries go unanswered, from October onwards.
