Strengthening Plant Health Systems in South Sudan: Addressing Challenges and Enhancing System Efficiency and Sustainability

Abstract Climate change-induced invasive pests remain a major bottleneck to agricultural productivity and food security in South Sudan. Strengthening the plant health system has the potential to contribute to reducing crop losses caused by pests. A situational analysis was conducted to assess the current state and effectiveness of plant health functions in three counties in South Sudan. Descriptive findings of data collected from 960 farmers in Juba, Yambio, and Yei indicated low access to plant health services, including advisory and extension, training, and information. There was a high dependence on NGOs and UN agencies to provide plant health services, indicating a gap in government-led initiatives. Multivariate probit regression analysis revealed mixed effects of farmer advisory, agricultural training, and plant health information on crop rotation, crop diversification, row planting, chemical pesticides, early planting, and certified seed. This demonstrates a complex relationship between plant health services and on-farm practices. Socioeconomic variables also had varying effects on crop management practices, suggesting inequitable access to plant health services and resources. These findings have crucial implications for the plant health system in South Sudan, requiring the need for service accessibility, government involvement in plant health systems, strengthening of the policy and regulatory frameworks, and inclusivity in service provision.