In the face of the global humanitarian crisis, Sudan is experiencing a catastrophic shock, with half the country – around 26 million people – suffering from acute hunger. In these harsh conditions and with the aim of containing the increasing risks, the European Union, in cooperation with ZOA International, has just launched an initiative to improve food security. The areas of operation are the eastern regions of Gedaref and Kassala.
Despite the deteriorating security situation in Sudan, the EU continues to support initiatives in the country to alleviate the suffering of the population. The latest project is a project by the non-governmental organisation ZOA International, which has been working in the country for ten years, and its local partner BRDO, which aims to improve sustainable food security and livelihoods for rural communities, with a focus on youth and women.
The project is expected to benefit around 40,000 people and will be implemented in 55 villages in Gedaref and Kassala states, which are hosting increasing numbers of internally displaced people from conflict zones. Small farmers, small livestock herders, nomads, fishermen, communities, internally displaced people and immigrants are the main beneficiaries of the initiative, which will run between 2024 and 2027.
Activities will focus on improving agroecological rain-fed agriculture and horticulture, improving the capacity of fisheries production associations and facilitating access to finance for farmers, livestock farmers and fisheries producer associations. The project will also focus on improving access to drinking water and water for agriculture, with the aim of diversifying production and creating sustainable and decent jobs for young people and women.
The project was launched in Gedaref Lats 29th July in cooperation with technical staff from the administration, the Bank of Sudan, representatives of the disabled people’s unions in Gedaref and the local partner BRDO. Organizations such as Mercy Corps, Islamic aid worldwide, Local NGO in the Sahara, Zainab for Women Development NGO, Al Tawaki local NGOand small farmers took part in the presentation.
“The European Union is deeply concerned about the Sudanese people at this critical time and this project expresses that concern,” said Eltayeb Omer, project manager at ZOA. Community involvement and collaboration with local partners and UN agencies were emphasized at the launch of the project.
The initiative’s presentation highlighted the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops such as red beans and chickpeas, as well as raising awareness about nutrient-rich diets as a public health strategy to reduce health problems such as anemia and night blindness.
