Cooperatives Cultivating Peace in South Sudan

• Cooperatives in South Sudan have increased membership, now over 150 members.
• Louis Bagare stresses cooperatives support livelihoods and fight poverty.
• Cooperatives are seen as potential pathways to peace and stability.
• Cooperatives enhance local governance and democratic values.
• Economic activities in cooperatives offer young people an alternative to violence.
• The rich history of cooperatives in South Sudan is being rediscovered for future growth.

Growing Membership and Economic Empowerment of Cooperatives

Cooperatives cultivating peace in South Sudan are gaining traction, with success stories surfacing from the Central Equatorial State. A maize and sorghum cooperative began with just 20 members and now boasts over 150. Many individuals have started to see increased incomes and improved conditions for their families, marking a significant change in a nation marked by hardship.

Importance of Cooperatives in Supporting Basic Needs

Louis Bagare, project manager for cooperatives at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasized the role of cooperatives in enhancing livelihoods, critical in a nation striving to escape the binds of poverty. Coincidentally, this discussion comes as the International Day of Cooperatives is fast approaching, celebrated annually on July 5. The initiative reiterates how cooperatives enable individuals to collectively meet their basic needs, especially in a challenging environment where individual efforts fall short.

Cooperatives as Catalysts for Lasting Peace

In essence, Cooperatives in South Sudan not only represent economic improvement but also serve as potential catalysts for peace. Mr. Bagare advocates for this approach, arguing that these organizations might help maintain stability in a nation ravaged by violence. The ongoing impact of civil unrest and food insecurity makes the cooperative model all the more relevant as it promotes stability among communities, a great need considering the lasting effects of conflict.

Democratic and Economic Benefits of Cooperatives

Cooperatives in South Sudan are built on the principle of voluntary participation where members share risks, responsibilities, and benefits, fostering a sense of community. As Oneil Yosia Damia, Director-General for Cooperative Development notes, these groups bring people together, allowing them to raise their standards of living. Louis Bagare also indicated that the cooperative model might serve as a democratic foundation at the local governance level, promoting a shift towards a more democratic society nationally.

Reducing Violence Through Economic Engagement

Cooperatives further offer a constructive alternative to violence, particularly for the youth, who might otherwise turn to theft or combat as means of survival. Mr. Bagare argues that if young people can engage in activities that are economically viable, the temptation to resort to violence diminishes. This model of collaboration empowers members and helps the community face its challenges collectively, leading to better outcomes than isolated attempts.

A Rich Cooperative History to Rediscover

In fact, in South Sudan, cooperatives take various forms, mostly focused on agriculture but also delving into other areas such as soap making, bread production, and textiles. Mr. Bagare reflects on the historical context, noting that cooperatives are ingrained in South Sudan’s culture, having thrived even before the civil war began in 2011. Efforts are underway to revive this spirit of collaboration, with ideas and resources pooled to prevail against widespread adversity.

Vision for a Unified Economic Future

The aspiration is clear; create a thriving cooperative sector that extends into diverse economic fields beyond agriculture. Mr. Bagare envisions a future where such cooperative efforts can enrich every sector of South Sudan’s economy, thus fostering unity and progress. The key to this vision lies in collective action and continued collaboration, rather than division and strife, suggesting that only through partnership can the nation move toward a promising future.

The cooperative movement in South Sudan presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and peacebuilding. With growing memberships and diverse applications, these ventures are not only combating poverty but also fostering community spirit and collaboration. As articulated by key figures like Louis Bagare, the pathway towards a stable, peaceful future hinges on collective engagement through cooperatives, offering hope for a society that has long faced distress.