How ‘potato power’ transformed Sudanese farming communities

Practical Action, supported by the International Potato Center (CIP), has been working hard to improve food security and promote sustainable farming practices in Kassala State and the Blue Nile Region of Sudan.

The agriculture in these regions is rain-fed and common crops are sorghum, cotton, sunflowers, sesame, and millet. However, crops are scarce outside of the rainy season and erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures make it harder for farmers to make a living and provide nutritious food for their communities. These issues are exacerbated by the food insecurity and displacement of people sparked by conflict in the region. An estimated 9.6 million struggle to access enough food, as April 2023

Despite these challenges, Practical Action has supported sustainable agriculture development and improved the resilience of communities in 15 villages in the Ad-Damazin and Al-Rosaires regions of Blue Nile state, as well as four localities in Kassala.

Our Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan project funded by CIP supported over 17,000 farmers, including displaced people and host communities, to increase their productivity and profitability by introducing nutritious and profitable potatoes and sweet potatoes to the area. This project also focused on improving farmers’ access to markets and collaboration between small producers, local NGOs, and official bodies.

The work includes:

Setting up farmer field schools to provide comprehensive training on essential agricultural topics such as using the right kinds of soil, preparing the land, managing pests, and harvesting, irrigation, and storage techniques. We established eight schools in Kassala and 16 in the Blue Nile region, each comprising 25 to 30 participants, to enhance their farming practices and secure a better future for their community.
Nutrition and dietary education to improve the nutritional well-being of vulnerable groups, ensuring they have access to essential vitamins and minerals, particularly children and women of childbearing age.
Forming producer groups to enhance skills in production and marketing, strengthening the overall agricultural sector.
Post-harvest and packaging training to enhance understanding of post-harvest management, food quality, and safety.

As these farmers forge ahead, their journey towards sustainable agriculture and resilience stands as a source of hope not just for their community but for other regions across Sudan. The project’s impact extends beyond the farms, reaching 20,060 individuals, including smallholder producers, households, and children under five.

Before the project, there was a misconception that potatoes couldn’t be grown in the high temperatures of Blue Nile region, however, demonstrated that it can be successful and generate extra income for farmers. On the other hand sweet potato harvest associated with these projects has become a vital food source for households in the Blue Nile region now it has been isolated due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. For more detailed information on the project, read our report here.

The experiences of these farmers show that knowledge and collaboration can overcome the most challenging situations. The following case studies demonstrate how:

From Displacement to Prosperity: Elshikh Hassan’s Story of Resilience

Elshikh Hassan Mohamed, a 38-year-old community leader and small farmer producer from Sheinsha village, overcame huge obstacles to achieve a better life.

Forced to flee his home in Kordofan 10 years ago due to security concerns, Elshikh and his family sought internally displaced person (IDP) status in Blue Nile State.

He struggled to access essential agricultural inputs like seeds and was faced with significant harvesting losses. However, everything changed when Elshikh received sweet potato vines from a local producer and training in land preparation and other production techniques from Practical Action.

His sweet potatoes are now thriving and Elshikh now plans to expand his business during the upcoming rainy season.

He said: “I gained a lot of experience and knowledge, and I’m now well-equipped to combat pests and apply fertilizer as needed. I intend to share what I’ve learned with other farmers to help them enhance their output.”

Despite being a first-time sweet potato farmer, he feels positive about the future and is excited to generate additional income from his excess produce to cover his family’s expenses.

Elshikh’s success serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the potential for transformation with the right support and resources.

A man standing in a lush green field under a clear sky.

Enriching hope: Abdelkarim’s journey

Farmer and father of seven Abdelkarim Mohammad struggled to obtain vital resources such as seeds and fertilizer because of the uncertain situation in Sudan.

The 60-year-old worked with Practical Action and his community in Wadi Halfa on potato and sweet potato production and learned best practices for cultivation, as well as seeds and fertilizer.

Abdelkarim said: “I was interested in learning about best practices and advanced agriculture because all the knowledge I have is from my ancestors and my own experience.

“I received potassium, phosphate, and urea fertilizers and now know the proper way and time to use them. After I learn all about the potato and sweet potato and their value, I will start growing them on my farm.”

From farm to table: Ekram’s passion as both producer and chef

Ekram Mohamed, a 45-year-old mother-of-five (on left, in below image), is vice-president of Alamal Women’s Producers’ Group. The 32 women in the group attended a demonstration farm where they learned about cultivating sweet potatoes.

Ekram was trained in sweet potato vine multiplication, production management, silage production, food processing, and packing training.

She said: “This is the first time I have received proper training, and I now feel more included and confident. As a group we can achieve so much more.”

Ekram is also passionate about cooking and loves to experiment with different recipes using the sweet potato. So far, she has created 25 delicious recipes including cake, jam, juice, ice cream, falafel, salad, and bread (just some of which can be seen in the image below!).

“The opportunity opened my eyes, and I am confident that I can sell my food thanks to the knowledge I gained,” she added.

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From Displacement to Prosperity: Elshikh Hassan’s Story of Resilience

Enriching hope: Abdelkarim’s journey

From farm to table: Ekram’s passion as both producer and chef