At first glance, this is a photo of cucumbers. Look again, and it is a story of a family that refused to give up.
Only months ago, the hands that picked these cucumbers were holding a ration card in Kakuma Refugee Camp. When differentiated food assistance reduced what many families received, survival in the camp became harder by the day. Returning to South Sudan felt like the only option left.
Returnees often come home to empty houses, overgrown land and no way to earn. Without support, many fall into a cycle of borrowing, selling what little they have, and depending on relatives who are already struggling. Children are pulled out of school because there is simply no money.
EcoRise South Sudan chose to break that cycle early. Instead of waiting for families to fall into crisis, we provided farming tools so they could put their land to work straight away. Cucumbers grow quickly, and within weeks this family had produce to eat and produce to sell.
This harvest is now heading to market, and the money it earns is heading home. It will buy food the family does not grow, support children’s schooling and give the family a small cushion for the months ahead.
Every returnee carries a story of loss. With the right support, they can also carry a story of recovery.
#EcoRiseSouthSudan #IREP #SouthSudan #Returnees #FoodSecurity #Resilience
With support from @Cohere and @Quadrature Climate Foundation
