17 November - UN Police (UNPOL) today harvested over 150 tubers of yam with local residents on a demonstration farm in Katire, Ikwoto County of Eastern Equatoria State.

The project was initiated eight months ago by UNPOL in Torit in partnership with the local police, agriculture ministry and community members.

“The project intended to kill two birds with one stone -- promote agriculture and food security, while creating a partnership for the police and community to work together in fighting crime,” said UN Police Adviser in Eastern Equatoria Okon Asuquo.

“We are giving the yield to the Ministry of Agriculture so that they can work with the local population to cultivate again in the next planting season,” Mr. Asuquo said. Our vision is to see a lot of yam and other crops coming out of here [Katire] in the next few years.”

Community members pledged to work together to ensure continuity and improvement.

“I am extremely happy,” said community member Martin Sebit. “It is the first time for many of us to see this [yam] … I personally will start my own yam farm.”

Extension Officer from the agriculture ministry Clara Nasser said he was delighted to see the end of the first phase of the project.

“It is good to see the people working with the police because it is important for them to know that the police is not just there to arrest people,” Mr Nasser said.

Mr. Nasser said, “As a ministry, we will pay attention to this project and make sure it continues. That is why, in fact, it is hosted at the seed multiplication center (site used by agriculture ministry to try new crops)”.