Ruweng farmers in South Sudan are earning growing customers on social media, as they turn to technology to market their produce. With limited access to markets, farmers in the region have been struggling to sell their crops, leading many to turn to social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to connect with potential buyers.
Through social media, Ruweng farmers are now able to showcase their products and reach a wider audience. Customers can place orders and arrange for delivery or pick-up, making it easier for farmers to sell their crops and earn a living.
One farmer in Ruweng, Mary Ayen, has been using WhatsApp to sell her produce, including tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Ayen says that social media has been a game-changer for her business, allowing her to reach customers beyond her local community.
“I used to rely on local buyers who would come to the farm, but now I can reach customers all over South Sudan through WhatsApp,” Ayen said.
Other farmers in Ruweng have also been using social media to market their produce. Many have created Facebook pages to showcase their crops and attract potential customers. Some farmers have even hired social media managers to help them with marketing and sales.
The use of social media has not only helped Ruweng farmers to sell their crops, but it has also helped to increase their profits. By eliminating the middlemen who would previously buy their produce at a low price and resell it at a higher price, farmers are now able to earn more money for their crops.
The success of Ruweng farmers on social media has not gone unnoticed. The government of South Sudan has been supporting farmers in the region through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The ministry has been providing farmers with training on modern farming techniques and supporting them with access to finance and markets.