Restoring hope: How livestock vaccine is enhancing community livelihood in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
South Sudan continues to face significant challenges, including armed conflict, flooding, and severe hunger. One state particularly affected by these issues is Northern Bahr el Ghazal, which is predominantly inhabited by cattle keepers. The region frequently suffers from devastating floods that destroy farms and hinder families from grazing their cattle.
In November of last year, an unknown animal disease broke out in Aweil, impacting many cattle. To combat the spread of the disease, a collaborative effort was launched involving the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry, and World Vision. This initiative was part of the Watershed Approaches for Climate Resilience in Agro-Pastoral Landscapes (WACRESS) project, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility through UNDP.
As part of this response, various animal medications were rapidly procured, and Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) were mobilised to assist local farmers.
One farmer, Abuk Zuber Andal, 54, owned 43 cows, most of which were affected by the disease. She sought help from the CAHW, which ultimately spared her livestock from what could have been a devastating loss. This situation underscores the importance of early action in saving both animal and human lives.
Abuk's livelihood heavily relies on the income generated from milk. However, managing the health of many cows has proven challenging for women like her. "I lost five cows before, and it has been difficult for me to keep my cows healthy… sometimes they could get lost," said Abuk, a mother of four who had to relocate to a rural village where life is more affordable. Originally from Aweil town, she was forced to leave due to high commodity prices, exacerbated by floods and inflation.
Through the WACRESS project, the CAHW treated and vaccinated her cows. "At first, I was so scared when my cows got sick, but after the treatment, my cows got better," Abuk shared.
Now, Abuk's cows are healthy and produce about 12 liters of milk every day, which enables her to provide for her family, including paying school fees for her children. "These animals are the source of our livelihood. They give my family milk, which I sell to send my children to school," Abuk explains. With vaccination, her livestock are becoming resilient enough to withstand the shocks of climate change.
"Every day, I see my cows healthy and stronger. This gives me the courage to continue doing my best for my children," she says.
Abuk's cows are among the 44,850 cows vaccinated in the state so far. This represents a significant step toward building the resilience of local communities and ensuring they can face the challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
About the WACRESS Project
The Watershed Approaches for Climate Resilience in Agro-pastoral Landscapes (WACRESS) is a five-year resilience project being implemented by World Vision in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Funded by the Global Environment Facility, through UNDP, WACRESS enhances climate resilience and focuses on restoring ecosystems, improving market access, and empowering communities about climate-smart farming practices.
Story and photos by Deng Gur Deng, World Vision WACRESS Project staff, and James Okot Ochaya, World Vision Interim Project Manager for WACRESS Project