Despite the deterioration of the security situation in Sudan, the EU continues supporting initiatives in the country seeking to alleviate the suffering of the population. The latest has been a project implemented by the NGO ZOA International, that has worked in the country for the last decade, and its local partner BRDO that aims at enhancing sustainable food security and livelihoods opportunities for rural communities with a focus on youth and women.

Aiming at benefiting around 40,000 people, the project will be implemented in 55 villages in the states of Gedaref and Kassala, which host increasing numbers of internal displaced populations coming from conflict zones. Smallholder farmers, smallholder animal producers, nomads, fishermen, communities, Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) and immigrants are major beneficiaries of the initiative that will run between 2024 and 2027.  

Activities will focus on improving agroecology rainfed farming and horticulture, on enhancing capacities of fishery production associations and on facilitating access to finance for farmers, livestock and fishery producer associations. The project will also focus on improving access to water for drinking and agriculture with the objective to diversify the production and to create sustainable and decent jobs for youth and women.

The launch of the project took place in Gedaref lats 29^th of July, in cooperation with technical staff from the administration, the Bank of Sudan, representatives for the persons with disabilities unions in Gedaref and the local partner, BRDO. Organizations such as Mercy Corps, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Sahara local NGO, Zainab for Women Development NGO, Al Tawaki local NGO, and smallholder farmers attended the presentation.

“The European Union is deeply concerned for the Sudanese people in this critical time and this project expresses this preoccupation,” said Eltayeb Omer, Project Manager at ZOA. Participation of the community and collaboration with local partners and UN agencies were emphasized at the launch of the project.  

The cultivation of highly nutritious crops such as red beans and chickpeas was highlighted during the presentation of the initiative. Education on nutritious diets as a public health strategy to reduce weak health conditions, such as anaemia or night blindness, was also part of the highlights.