Authors : Okeny John Otto Oloya; Vinsam Owino Ouko

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bnwabeht

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/43yajvzu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan1279

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Introduction: South Sudan remains one of the most fragile and aid-dependent countries globally, with recurrent conflict undermining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Despite favorable agro-ecological conditions, smallholder farmers face persistent food insecurity and reliance on humanitarian assistance. This study examined the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, farmer cooperatives, and policy institutions in promoting agricultural resilience and reducing aid dependency in post-conflict settings.  Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, relying exclusively on secondary data from international organizations, government agencies, and development partners. Quantitative data, including crop yields, household dietary diversity scores, income diversification, and adaptive practices, were analyzed using OLS regression, propensity score matching, and count models. Qualitative policy and institutional documents were examined through thematic content analysis. Control variables included farmer demographics, farm size, gender, education, and conflict exposure.  Results and Findings: The study found that access to extension services significantly improved adaptive farming practices and dietary diversity. Cooperative membership enhanced income diversification, market access, and collective risk-sharing. Policy institutions indirectly influenced resilience by shaping the enabling environment for extension and cooperative effectiveness. Interaction effects suggested that institutional synergy had a stronger impact on resilience than individual interventions. Conflict exposure and limited institutional capacity were identified as key constraints.  Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that integrated institutional support was essential for enhancing agricultural resilience in post-conflict South Sudan. Extension services, cooperatives, and policy institutions, when coordinated effectively, reduced reliance on aid while improving food security, adaptive capacity, and income stability. The study highlights the need for targeted investment in institutional capacity-building and coordinated policy interventions to transition from humanitarian dependence to sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

Keywords : Agricultural Resilience, Extension Services, Farmer Cooperatives, Policy Institutions, Post-Conflict, South Sudan.

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