Deadline: 18-Dec-2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting grant applications to strengthen food security, nutrition, income, and resilience in South Sudan by empowering Rural Producers’ Organizations (RPOs). The programme focuses on cooperative development, inclusive rural finance, and policy reform, with a strong emphasis on gender equality through the Gender Action Learning System (GALS).
Overview
UNDP is seeking grant applications to support rural households in South Sudan by strengthening Rural Producers’ Organizations (RPOs) as sustainable, competitive actors within national food value chains. The programme aims to improve food security, nutrition, incomes, and resilience by combining cooperative development, inclusive finance, and enabling policy frameworks.
The initiative targets structurally vulnerable rural areas and promotes inclusive, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural development with strong participation from women and youth.
Programme Objectives
Overall Goal
To enhance food security, nutrition, income generation, and resilience among rural households by empowering RPOs to operate as viable, inclusive, and competitive enterprises.
Specific Objectives
• Strengthen RPOs and cooperatives as inclusive business entities
• Expand access to inclusive rural finance
• Improve policy and regulatory frameworks for cooperative and rural enterprise development
• Promote gender-transformative and climate-resilient livelihood systems
Programme Structure and Key Components
Component 1: Strengthening Rural Producers’ Organizations
This component focuses on building strong, inclusive, and sustainable RPOs and cooperatives by:
• Formalising Agriculture Producer Groups
• Supporting their transition into viable business entities
• Promoting cooperative models that prioritise women and youth participation
• Strengthening nutrient-rich and climate-resilient agricultural value chains
The aim is to improve productivity, market access, and long-term sustainability of rural producer groups.
Component 2: Expanding Inclusive Rural Finance
This component enhances financial inclusion for rural households and producer groups through:
• Capacity building for SACCOs and VSLAs
• Improved access to financial services via the Cooperative Bank of South Sudan
• Establishment of a credit guarantee fund to reduce agricultural lending risks
• Integration of financial literacy and business skills training
These measures help rural producers manage resources effectively and invest confidently in their livelihoods.
Component 3: Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
This component focuses on creating an enabling environment for rural enterprises by:
• Building capacity within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at national and state levels
• Strengthening cooperative development policies
• Improving regulatory conditions for inclusive finance and rural enterprise growth
Geographic Focus Areas
The project will be implemented in six counties across four states:
• Aweil Centre – Northern Bahr El Ghazal
• Magwi – Eastern Equatoria
• Maridi – Western Equatoria
• Nzara – Western Equatoria
• Yambio – Western Equatoria
• Renk – Upper Nile
These areas were selected based on vulnerability, agricultural potential, and the need for inclusive livelihood support.
What Is GALS?
The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is a participatory methodology that supports gender-transformative development by helping communities analyse gender roles, power dynamics, and livelihood systems.
Purpose of the GALS Assignment
The assignment aims to contextualise and apply GALS within the project areas to support inclusive and equitable rural development.
Key GALS Activities
• Development of a contextualised GALS manual aligned with the project mandate
• Integration of nutrition and climate change adaptation modules
• Orientation training for 300 trainers of trainers and UNDP implementing partners
• Training of GALS champions to analyse household and livelihood gender dynamics
• Mentorship support to ensure effective community-level application
• Design of a detailed roll-out plan for 7,500 targeted beneficiaries, service providers, and village champions
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
• Organisations capable of implementing rural development, cooperative strengthening, financial inclusion, or gender-transformative programmes
• Entities with experience in agriculture, livelihoods, finance, or community development
• Partners able to operate within the targeted counties in South Sudan
Target Beneficiaries
• Rural households
• Rural Producers’ Organizations and cooperatives
• Women and youth engaged in agricultural value chains
• SACCOs, VSLAs, and rural service providers
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative addresses critical structural barriers facing rural communities in South Sudan by:
• Strengthening food systems and nutrition outcomes
• Expanding access to finance for small-scale producers
• Promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment
• Building climate-resilient and market-oriented rural enterprises
• Enhancing institutional capacity and policy coherence
How It Works
Implementation Approach
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Strengthen and formalise RPOs and cooperatives
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Expand inclusive financial services and risk-sharing mechanisms
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Build institutional and policy capacity for rural enterprise development
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Roll out GALS through trained trainers and community champions
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Provide ongoing mentorship and technical support
Expected Reach
• 300 trainers of trainers and implementing partners
• 7,500 direct beneficiaries, service providers, and village champions
Tips for Successful Participation
• Demonstrate experience in inclusive rural development or cooperative systems
• Integrate gender, nutrition, and climate resilience clearly into proposed activities
• Show strong community engagement and sustainability planning
• Align activities with national agricultural and cooperative frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main goal of this UNDP programme?
To improve food security, nutrition, income, and resilience by strengthening RPOs as inclusive and competitive actors in food value chains.
2. What role does GALS play in the project?
GALS supports gender-transformative development by addressing power dynamics, inclusion, and equitable livelihood decision-making.
3. How many people will benefit from the programme?
Approximately 7,500 beneficiaries, including rural households, service providers, and community champions.
4. Which areas of South Sudan are covered?
Six counties across Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Upper Nile states.
5. Does the programme support access to finance?
Yes. It strengthens SACCOs, VSLAs, and banking services and establishes a credit guarantee fund.
6. Are women and youth prioritised?
Yes. Women and youth participation is a core requirement across all components.
7. What institutions are involved at the policy level?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at national and state levels plays a key role.
Conclusion
This UNDP grant opportunity represents a comprehensive approach to rural transformation in South Sudan. By combining cooperative development, inclusive finance, gender equality, and policy reform, the programme strengthens community agency and builds resilient, sustainable rural enterprises that can drive long-term food security and economic stability.
For more information, visit UNDP.