Farming context: South Sudan
South Sudan fertilizer estimates use the selected crop, field, soil and product assumptions from the SS agriculture dataset. Check local conditions before applying national averages.
| Agriculture share of GDP | ~15% |
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| Arable land | 6,500,000 ha |
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| Irrigated share | ~0.5% |
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| Main food crops | sorghum, maize, groundnut, cassava, sweet potato, millet |
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| Main export crops | sesame |
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Country context from the AfroTools agriculture dataset - planning reference, not agronomic advice. Confirm with local extension services.
Fertilizer Use in South Sudan
South Sudan is the world's youngest country, having gained independence in 2011, and has been devastated by civil conflict since 2013. Agriculture is the primary livelihood for over 75% of the population, with sorghum, maize, groundnuts, sesame, cassava, and vegetables as the main crops. The country has enormous agricultural potential with fertile soils and adequate rainfall in many areas, but conflict has displaced millions and destroyed agricultural infrastructure. Fertilizer consumption is negligible, probably under 2,000 tonnes annually, with virtually no commercial fertilizer market. The country's limited infrastructure means that even basic agricultural inputs are difficult to transport from the few border crossing points and river ports. International humanitarian operations provide the majority of agricultural inputs reaching farming communities.
Common Fertilizer Types
Urea and DAP are the most commonly distributed fertilizers in South Sudan, provided through FAO and NGO emergency agricultural input programs. NPK compound fertilizers are occasionally available in the few functional agro-dealer shops in Juba and major towns. The extremely limited commercial fertilizer availability means that most farming relies entirely on natural soil fertility, crop rotation with legumes, and organic amendments from livestock manure. The fertile clay soils (black cotton soils) of the Nile floodplains and the ironstone plateau soils of the Equatoria states can respond dramatically to fertilizer application, but the conflict environment has prevented systematic agricultural development. ICRISAT and World Vision have piloted micro-dosing techniques in accessible areas, demonstrating significant yield improvements with small quantities of fertilizer.
Subsidy Programs & Access
South Sudan does not have a functioning government fertilizer subsidy program due to the ongoing conflict, governance challenges, and fiscal crisis. Agricultural input distribution is almost entirely managed by humanitarian organizations, principally FAO, WFP, and international NGOs including World Vision, Mercy Corps, and Norwegian People's Aid. FAO's Emergency Livelihood Response Programme (ELRP) distributes seed and fertilizer kits to vulnerable farming households across accessible parts of the country. Distribution is organized through state-level FAO offices and implementing partners, with beneficiary selection based on vulnerability assessments. Reach is limited by insecurity, seasonal flooding, and the near-complete lack of road infrastructure in many areas. The revitalized peace agreement (R-ARCSS) and transitional government have expressed intentions to develop agricultural support systems, but implementation remains extremely limited. Small quantities of fertilizer are occasionally available in Juba markets, imported from Uganda and Kenya, at prices that are prohibitive for most farmers.