LocationsFrom Crisis to Livelihoods: The Inspiring Rise of Hope Farmers Cooperative
February 18, 2026
Hope Farmers Cooperative members selling cassava and sweet potatoes to customers at Suk Yei Market.
In the wake of South Sudan’s 2016 crisis, many families were forced to abandon their homes and dreams and flee to neighboring countries. Among them were the founding members of Hope Farmers Cooperative, a group of determined members who had lost everything but stayed resilient. In 2021, as returnees to their homeland, they came together to start afresh with nothing but a shared vision.
Today, Hope Farmers Cooperative stands tall with 35 members, including 8 hardworking men and a majority of women who carry the group's spirit. Their livelihood revolves around trading sorghum, sim sim, honey, okra, peanuts, and pigeon peas. During the harvest season, they supplement their produce with cassava and sweet potatoes, which they source both locally from Yei and across the border in Uganda.
The turning point came in April 2023, when the cooperative secured an 8 million SSP loan from the African Development Bank and UNDP. The group demonstrated unity and accountability by dividing the loan among themselves and committing to repay it collectively. This capital infusion enabled them to buy quality stock, increase their operating capacity, and expand their market reach. Today, they regularly supply sweet potatoes and cassava in bulk, in Konyo Konyo, Jebel Market, and Customs Market, earning them a steady income.
The cooperative also creates jobs in the community by employing casual laborers to load and offload its produce. The group also pointed out that they received training in financial management, including bookkeeping, loan repayment, and savings. This has improved their capacity to manage resources more efficiently and grow their businesses sustainably.
One of the members, Ali Mohamed, a 26-year-old father of two, embodies the spirit of transformation. “As a married man, there was a time I really struggled to take care of my young family. Things were tough. I could not even afford to send my children to school. But when I joined the cooperative, received a loan, and went through the training, everything started to change. The support and knowledge I gained made a big difference. Now, with the income I earn and better financial habits, I can pay school fees and take care of my family with dignity. There is hope again.” Says Ali Mohamed
Ali Mohamed other group members receiving a consignment from Yei for resale to other resellers in the Market.
Looking ahead, the cooperative is driven by a bold vision. They plan to open retail shops in Gudele, Konyokonyo, and other major markets in Juba, bringing fresh, homegrown produce directly to urban consumers and expanding their impact beyond the farm.Hope Farmers Cooperative is more than a group. It is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the boundless possibilities that arise when people invest in each other.
‘’We are so grateful to UNDP and the African Development Bank for the support they gave us. It really changed our lives. The boost to our business improved our livelihoods. Now, we can take our children to school, pay rent, and support our families. It has made such a big difference.” reckons Okumu Mary, 37
Members of the Hope Farmers Cooperative Society at their enterprise.
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