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Aweil Rice Scheme

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Agriculture
—°1
Aweil Rice Scheme (South Sudan)

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The Aweil Rice Scheme is the largest and most significant irrigation project for rice cultivation in South Sudan. Located in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, it was originally initiated in the 1940s and 1950s during the Anglo-Egyptian condominium period. The scheme covers an area of approximately 11,000 hectares and draws water from the Loll River to irrigate the fields. Its primary goal was to enhance regional food security and reduce the country's reliance on imported staples. During the long years of civil war, much of the irrigation infrastructure fell into disrepair, but since 2005, there have been international efforts to rehabilitate the system. Today, it remains a cornerstone of South Sudan's agricultural development, providing livelihoods for thousands of smallholder farmers. The project focuses on cultivating rice varieties specifically adapted to the local floodplain environment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C283032333128272626272828
Rain mm017251181311662051608551

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Aweil Rice Scheme is one of the largest agricultural projects in South Sudan, utilizing the fertile plains for intensive rice cultivation. It plays a crucial role in food supply and economic development of the Aweil region.
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Visiting
The rice cultivation area extends over vast plains and is visible from main roads, but access to the fields is restricted due to irrigation channels and security regulations. Travelers can view the rice paddies from elevated points along the roads.
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Where to view it
From the viewpoint hill near Aweil town, a panoramic view opens over the vast rice fields and irrigation systems. The bridge over the Lol River also provides a good overview of the agriculturally used river landscape.
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Local products
The main product is naturally rice, grown in several varieties including long‑grain and round‑grain rice. At local markets in Aweil, travelers can buy freshly harvested rice as well as millet, sesame, and peanuts from the region.
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Active season
The rice harvest takes place mainly between October and December, after the rainy season, when the fields are drained. During this time, many workers are in the fields and the mills run at full capacity to process the harvest.
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Nearby
Combine the visit to the rice fields with a detour to the town of Aweil, where you can explore local crafts and markets. The area also has wildlife reserves such as the Boma National Park area, offering safari possibilities.

Geography

Coordinates
8.77000, 27.40000

Facts

  • The scheme spans a total area of approximately 11,000 hectares.
  • It was originally launched in 1944 by the colonial administration.
  • The irrigation system primarily utilizes water from the Loll River.
  • It is the largest mechanized rice farm in all of South Sudan.
  • Significant rehabilitation of the canals began after the 2005 peace deal.
  • The project directly supports the livelihoods of over 2,000 farming households.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AweilAweil<1 km · WExplore →
Ashana Game ReserveAshana Game Reserve29 km · NWExplore →
Jur RiverJur River72 km · NExplore →
Chelkou Game ReserveChelkou Game Reserve79 km · SEExplore →
Kuajok Meat Processing PlantKuajok Meat Processing Plant79 km · NWExplore →
KuajokKuajok80 km · NWExplore →
GogrialGogrial82 km · NExplore →
In Amenas Gas PlantIn Amenas Gas Plant106 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aweil Rice Scheme (1)

St. John ECS, Aweil🏰 castle

St. John ECS is a church building in Aweil, used by the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Aweil rice project?
It is an agricultural initiative to promote local rice production.
Can you visit the project?
Visits are possible by appointment for academic or agricultural purposes.
Why is rice important in Aweil?
It serves the food security of the region and creates jobs.
Can you get fresh products here?
There is usually no sale directly at the project, but there is on local markets.
When is harvest time?
The harvest usually takes place after the main rainy season.
Aweil Rice Scheme: where is it located?
Aweil Rice Scheme is located in South Sudan.
Aweil Rice Scheme: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Aweil Rice Scheme: why is it worth visiting?
The Aweil Rice Scheme is the largest and most significant irrigation project for rice cultivation in South Sudan.
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Nearby cities

Aweil — Aweil Rice Scheme (South Sudan)
Aweil
Aweil is the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and a significant hub for rice and grain trade.

History & landmarks

Aweil Stadium — Aweil Rice Scheme (South Sudan)
Aweil Stadium
The largest sports stadium in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, a pride of Aweil city.

Nature

Jur River — Aweil Rice Scheme (South Sudan)
Jur River
A river in western South Sudan that flows into the Bahr al-Ghazal.

More places

🗺️
Chelkou Game Reserve
A significant protected area in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, noted for its wooded savannas and rich wildlife.
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Aweil Rice Mill
The industrial mill processes rice produced in the large-scale Aweil Rice Project.
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Ashana Game Reserve
A remote reserve in the northwest protecting important grassland habitats for various ungulates and big cats.
Kuajok Meat Processing Plant — Aweil Rice Scheme (South Sudan)
Kuajok Meat Processing Plant
A modern processing plant for meat products in the heart of the Warrap livestock region.