New reservoir offers innovative solution to South Sudan cattle beef

At the end of a history-laden path winding through palm trees and scattered ruins – remnants of once-vibrant villages destroyed by cattle raids – lies a rare sight in this dry part of Terekeka county in South Sudan: a sparkling, fresh water source.

The artificial lake is one of the latest outcomes of a quick impact project, initiated by the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan ( UNMISS ).

While UNMISS is mandated by the Security Council to protect civilians in restive parts of the country, part of its tasks include supporting the communities peacekeepers serve, from building roads to building peace.

The reservoir project in Terekeka responds not only to the chronic lack of water in the area, but also to a key driver of conflict, with ongoing competition between farmers and cattle keepers over scarce water and grazing resources.