South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 after 21 years of civil war. The war ended in 2005 with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement  between the North and the South.  Although the years of civil war destroyed most of the physical and institutional infrastructures lowering human development indicators, the people of South Sudan are highly motivated to build a new nation in which all people live in prosperity and freedom.

In 2005, SNV started to work in South Sudan by identifying areas SNV could support the reconstruction process. To increase effectiveness of our capacity development services, we focus on specific sectors where there is potential to have highest impact on poverty reduction. SNV works in agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene, and education. These sectors were selected on basis on analysis of key development challenges and the ability of SNV to add value to and complement efforts of other actors in addressing the challenges.