Mother-to-mother support

By Wani Emmanuel | Food Security and Livelihood officer | World Vision South Sudan

For more than a year, violence in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, has displaced thousands, forcing many to seek refuge in the UNMISS camp while others fled to relatively safer areas. Among those most affected are women and children, who now face a host of challenges—from rising malnutrition to child labour, early pregnancy, and the recruitment of children into armed groups.

One of those affected is Madline, a 35-year-old mother who fled with her husband and children to Source Yubu, leaving everything behind. They eventually found safety in Ngboko village, located over 25 km from Tambura. Despite being strangers, the local community welcomed them warmly.

“We have been living together in perfect harmony with the host community since our arrival,” Madline shares.

Still, life in displacement came with severe hardship. Providing food, paying school fees, covering medical costs, and even buying clothes for the children became daily struggles. These financial challenges deeply affected the family’s well-being and left them vulnerable.

Madline, eager to rebuild her life, found herself unable to afford quality seeds, tools, or the farming knowledge needed to grow a nutritious variety of food. The family’s meals were often limited to ‘korofo Gaadia’ (cassava leaves)—a meagre diet that left her children increasingly malnourished.

About Tambura County.  

Tambura, shares borders with Nagero County to the northeast, Ezo County to the south and east, Raja and Wau Counties in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State to the north, and the Central African Republic (CAR) to the west. It is predominantly inhabitated by the Azande and Balanda communities. The conflicts between these two communities have been fueled by political tensions and competition for leadership roles.  

Madline’s hope for a better future began to take shape when World Vision South Sudan launched the Joining Forces for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergencies Phase II (JF-FS & CPiE) project. With support from food security officers and local leaders, she was registered as one of the 15 members in a community-based support group.

Together, the group received training on improved agricultural practices and how to establish kitchen gardens. The goal was simple yet powerful, which was to equip mother-to-mother support groups with the tools and knowledge needed to grow enough vegetables year-round to nourish their families.