Stories
May 8, 2025 • 3 min read
In the heart of South Sudan, the fish trade and livestock sector are lifelines for many families. Gatbuok Luony, a 28-year-old fish trader from Unity State is among those who depend on this industry. Despite facing extreme heat conditions and challenging transportation routes, his unwavering dedication has driven him to overcome numerous obstacles. With the support of GOAL and the THRIVE project consortium, with funding from UKAid, Gatbuok's business and livelihood were transformed, bringing new hope and sustainable growth to his family and community.
The Story of Gatbuok Luony
In South Sudan, the fish trade and livestock sector are vital sources of income for the population. Among those who rely on this industry is Gatbuok Luony, a 28-year-old fish trader from Bordar Mayom Payam, Unity State. As the sole provider for his family of seven, Gatbuok’s dedication has been the backbone of his livelihood.
Gatbuok’s journey into fish trading began in 2024 when he started sourcing dried fish from the Duir fishing site in Mayiandit County. Selling dried fish in the bustling Thoanhuom market, he earns around 14,000 SSP (roughly €2.80) per fish, using the income to support his family and pay his younger brother’s school fees.
Overcoming Environmental Challenges
However, Gatbuok has faced numerous challenges in his quest to provide for his family through the fisheries industry. The extreme heat conditions in South Sudan make it particularly difficult to preserve fresh produce, which complicates his efforts to yield high rewards. Transporting the fish to the market also posed significant obstacles to his success, adding to the hardships he endured.
“I had to paddle my canoe for three days, crossing remote waters, just to reach a larger trading center. It was physically tough, and I only made this trip every two months,” Gatbuok recalls, illustrating the challenging nature of his trade.
Despite these challenges, Gatbuok’s resilience and determination continue to drive him forward, ensuring he can support his family and strive for a better future.
Transformative Infrastructure
In March 2025, Gatbuok returned to Thoanhuom after another long canoe journey, only to find a significant change: a new fish aggregation centre constructed with the generous support of UKAid in partnership with GOAL, CAFOD, Mercy Corps, VSF-Suisse, and national partners. The facility includes shaded areas where vendors like Gatbuok can sell their fish away from the blistering sun.
“Selling under this shade has been a game-changer,” says Gatbuok. “It protects both me and my fish from the harsh heat, and it’s made my business so much easier to run.”
With the new infrastructure in place, Gatbuok’s business has become more reliable and efficient. “I used to sell my fish under the sun, which was exhausting and harmful. But now, with the shade provided by the new market structure from AFAA and Mercy Corps, I feel a huge difference in my work and my health,” Gatbuok shares. “Now I can serve more customers, keep my fish fresher, and focus on growing my business without worrying about the environmental stress I used to face,” he continues.
Empowering Sustainable Growth
This transformation is a testament to how small-scale investments can have a huge impact on traders like Gatbuok. Thanks to the targeted support from AFAA, Mercy Corps in partnership with GOAL, CAFOD, and VSF-Suisse, and generous funding from UKAID, his ability to provide for his family has been strengthened, and his resilience has grown.
“This project has brought a new sense of hope for me and my family. It feels good knowing I’m working in a safer, more sustainable way.”
Through initiatives like these, communities in South Sudan are building stronger futures, one business at a time. Thanks to UKAid’s support, projects like this continue to drive lasting change.
