GIZ hands over tractor repair equipment to boost farming in Yei

The German development agency GIZ has handed over garage equipment and maintenance tools to the Yei Crop Training Centre (CTC) to help restore tractor services for farmers in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.

The equipment was provided under the Community-Driven Rural Development (CDRD) project, which aims to improve access to land preparation services ahead of upcoming planting seasons.

According to GIZ, years of conflict and inadequate maintenance facilities have left many tractors in Yei non-functional, limiting farmers’ ability to prepare their land on time.

A local farmer awaiting tractor services said frequent breakdowns had disrupted planting schedules, despite being placed on a waiting list.

“I registered as number 18 on the waiting list of many people farming in Yei,” the farmer said. “I was told the tractor would plough my field in three days, but on the third day, I was called and told it had broken down. Timely planting was lost.”

The handover includes an air compressor, a mobile diesel welding generator, mechanical toolboxes and personal protective equipment.

GIZ says the equipment will support repairs and maintenance of the eight tractors operating across Yei County.

Speaking during the handover, Yei Crop Training Centre Administrator David Amule welcomed the support, saying it would help the centre improve tractor services for farmers.

“We warmly welcome and thank GIZ for this timely support,” Amule said. “With these tools in place, we will inform the farming community about the resumption of dependable tractor services at Yei CTC.”

He said restoring the tractors was important for farmers seeking to expand the area they cultivate and improve agricultural production in the county.

Isaac Asiki, Director of Agriculture at the County Agriculture Department, called for the equipment to be put to immediate use and urged the team responsible for its management to ensure proper care and maintenance.

“These garage tools and accessories must be put to immediate use so that our tractors are ready to serve every farmer waiting in our county,” Asiki said.

“At the same time, we urge the team to practice proper care and sustainable management of this valuable equipment,” he added.

GIZ estimates that restoring the tractors could benefit at least 3,000 farmers and help bring more than 10,000 hectares of land into cultivation.

The agency says improved access to mechanised land preparation could help farmers expand cultivated areas, increase production and improve household incomes.

However, the expected benefits will depend on the successful repair and continued operation of the tractors, as well as farmers’ access to the services.

Beyond providing equipment, the CDRD project plans to support training for tractor operators and farmers in the use of agricultural machinery for activities including ploughing, harrowing and sowing.

GIZ implements the project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The CDRD project is co-funded by the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.