Project Continues Work Improving Agricultural Markets, Food Security in South Sudan

BETHESDA, Md., June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Abt Associates has won a contract with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to continue its work toward improving food security conditions in South Sudan through the development of agricultural markets and expansion of enhanced agricultural farming practices.   

The $12 million contract is a follow-on to the Abt-led USAID-funded Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets (FARM) Project that begun in 2010 and ended in 2015. FARM II will build on the goals of FARM to increase agricultural production, build rural markets, and improve public and private capacity in South Sudan.

The project works across high-potential agricultural land known locally as the Greenbelt, located in the Eastern, Central and Western Equatorias. The FARM II Project will focus on improved agricultural markets, agricultural productivity, and capacity building. It will target small-to-medium agribusinesses and smallholder farmers, which encompass the vast majority of agricultural actors in the Greenbelt.

"We look forward to continuing our work to help the people of South Sudan improve their food security and increase their resilience to mitigate against shocks, such as those created by conflict and climate, which affect the agriculture system in South Sudan,"  said Stephen Pelliccia, Division Vice President for International Economic Growth.

Partners on the project include Texas A&M University's Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, ACDI/VOCA, Action Africa Help-International, RSM Consulting, Making Cents International and BBC Media Action.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research, evaluation and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

SOURCE Abt Associates

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