Germany, EU, and Netherlands Expand €48M Rural Development Project to Central Equatoria, South Sudan
In a significant move to bolster rural livelihoods and agricultural resilience, the governments of Germany and the Netherlands, alongside the European Union, have officially launched an expanded phase of the Community Driven Rural Development (CDRD) project in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. The initiative, backed by a substantial €48 million investment, forms part of the broader Team Europe approach aimed at fostering sustainable development and climate adaptation in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
A New Chapter for Rural Communities
The CDRD project, now entering a critical new implementation phase, is set to directly benefit approximately 27,500 households across eight counties spanning Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western, Central, and Eastern Equatoria States. With fresh funding secured, the project is expanding specifically into Juba County in Central Equatoria, marking a strategic effort to enhance competitive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural value chains.
But what does this mean for the people on the ground? For smallholder farmers, women, and youth in these communities, the CDRD expansion promises improved production techniques, better access to services and markets, and a stronger emphasis on social empowerment. The initiative also prioritizes the protection and sustainable management of natural resources on a landscape scale—a vital step toward securing the long-term foundation of South Sudan’s rural economy.
High-Level Endorsement and Inclusive Participation
The project launch was inaugurated by Hon. Lily Kapuki, State Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry of Central Equatoria State, who emphasized the urgent need to improve food and nutrition security among smallholder households. “This initiative is not just about development—it’s about dignity, resilience, and hope,” Kapuki stated during her address.
The event drew a diverse and influential audience, including the State Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development, directors general from key state ministries, Payam administrators, traditional head chiefs, and representatives from the German Embassy, the Delegation of the European Union, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Also in attendance were youth and women union representatives, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations such as IFAD and the GRACE Project consortium—comprising FAO, WFP, and ITC.
Synergy with Broader Development Goals
The CDRD expansion is embedded within the EU’s wider Green and Resilient Economy (GRACE) programme, which is already being implemented across Central and Western Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Lakes States. This integrated approach ensures that lessons learned are scalable and can be effectively introduced into national and state-level policy-making processes.
Vittoria Longato, Food Security and Rural Development Manager at the EU Delegation to South Sudan, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the initiative: “The EU Delegation is proud to co-fund this project under our broader Green and Resilient Economy Programme. Developed jointly with BMZ and the Netherlands in a true Team Europe approach, our shared goal is clear: to support the people of South Sudan in building a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.”
Governance and Implementation Framework
To ensure effective oversight, the event also saw the expansion of the Central Equatoria State Steering Committee for the EU Green Resilient Economy Action. This body will provide strategic guidance and monitoring for both the CDRD and GRACE projects, promoting accountability and local ownership.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is leading project implementation, in close cooperation with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and a range of local and international partners. GIZ operates in South Sudan on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which has a long-standing commitment to the country’s development in areas including local governance, agri-food systems, water and sanitation, peacebuilding, and gender equality.
Why This Matters Now
South Sudan continues to face profound challenges—from climate shocks and economic instability to ongoing food insecurity. Rural communities, in particular, remain highly vulnerable to environmental degradation and market fluctuations. The CDRD project’s focus on community-driven development offers a participatory, bottom-up model that empowers locals to lead their own growth trajectory.
By integrating climate resilience with agricultural innovation and social inclusion, the project not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term stability and prosperity. In a region where women and youth are disproportionately affected by poverty and displacement, the emphasis on their empowerment could prove transformative.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for South Sudan
As the CDRD project expands into new counties, the eyes of the international development community will be on South Sudan. Success here could provide a replicable model for other post-conflict and climate-vulnerable regions. More importantly, it offers a beacon of hope for thousands of families striving for self-reliance and a better quality of life.
Germany, the Netherlands, and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to standing with the people of South Sudan. Through cooperation, innovation, and unwavering solidarity, this partnership aims to turn the tide toward a greener, more resilient, and more equitable future.
Image caption: Hon. State Minister Lily Kapuki addresses the CDRD launch participants © GIZ/Ayen Deng