Incredible support with amazing results in Sudan

Two women in colorful hijabs sit at a stall with jars of homemade goods, against a vibrant patterned backdrop.

An ambitious climate change adaptation programme in Darfur, Sudan has helped tens of thousands of people improve their lives.

The work, funded by UK public through the “Turning the Tables on Climate Change in Darfur” appeal in 2019, focused on improving access to water, promoting climate-smart agriculture, empowering women, and improving livelihood options.

Thanks to Practical Action supporters, whose donations of £1.6m were matched pound for pound by the UK government, taking the total to just over £3.15m, the project has supported over 34,000 people living in a region affected by drought, war, and flash flooding to take control of their lives.

Farmers in 19 communities are now thriving thanks to improved rainwater storage systems and training in climate-smart agriculture. These initiatives have strengthened their ability to cope with both conflict and climate change.

Awadallah Mohamed, area co-ordinator for North Darfur for Practical Action said:

“The impact of this project goes beyond immediate relief. We are laying the groundwork for long-term resilience. In the face of conflict and climate change, we are supporting these communities with the tools they need to rebuild their livelihoods and thrive.

“When I last visited the community, water was available in abundance for farming for the first time in years. The community members are excited, and they hope this kind of support continues.

“We are so proud of the progress we have made; despite the difficulties we have faced. Climate change has challenged us for years, but now we are seeing real change on the ground. Thanks to everyone who made this project possible.”

High production trainees in weaving showing harvest bins

The work delivered in numbers

Addressing water scarcity and increasing crop yields

One of the project’s core achievements is its focus on water resource management. The construction of a new dam with a capacity of 103,000 cubic meters equivalent to 40 Olympic sized swimming pools has provided a vital water source for over 1,500 farms.

The dam, which has been filled during the rainy seasons, helps ensure farmers have access to irrigation throughout the year. The rehabilitation of the Haffir has increased its storage capacity from 16,000 to 25,000 cubic meters equivalent to nearly 10 Olympic sized swimming pools, extending the availability of water for livestock.

These improvements have reduced competition over scarce water resources, a frequent source of conflict between farmers and pastoral communities.

More than 800 women-headed households have benefitted from these water management improvements, leading to an 89% increase in their agricultural production. By securing reliable access to water, these households have been able to grow more food, provide for their families, and sell surplus crops at local markets.

Supporting farmers with climate-smart techniques

To build resilience against the unpredictability of climate change, Practical Action established 10 farmer field schools that have trained 375 farmers in advanced techniques, including climate-adaptive agriculture, pest management, crop rotation, and post-harvest loss reduction. These efforts have led to a significant increase in crop yields. Sorghum production has tripled, rising from 1 to 3 sacks per feddan, and sesame yields have also doubled from 2 to 4 sacks.

In addition to training, improved seeds and agricultural tools were distributed to 3,144 farmers, enhancing their capacity to grow more food despite erratic rainfall patterns.

These inputs have been essential in helping farmers improve their productivity, which is crucial in a region where food insecurity is a constant threat and has worsened since April 2023.

Working with women

Women’s participation in the work has been central to its success. The initiative established four horticultural groups and 40 home gardens, providing 160 women with the knowledge and resources to grow vegetables for household consumption and local markets. These efforts not only improved food security but also offered new income-generating opportunities.

Agro-processing training has been another area of focus, with 65 women trained in processing and business management. These women have shared their knowledge with 234 others, many of whom are now selling processed agricultural products in local markets, further boosting household incomes.

Manahil, a community nursery worker from Garni village in Sudan, working at a nursery

Akinyi Walendar Practical Action Africa Director said “We have seen that empowering women creates a ripple effect throughout the community. When women succeed, their families and community’s benefit. That is why we have made women’s participation a priority in every aspect of this work”.

Enhancing livestock health and pastoralist livelihoods.

For pastoralists in North Darfur, livestock health is crucial to their livelihoods. Practical Action has supported this by training 25 Community Animal Health Workers, who have treated over 10,000 animal diseases. These health workers are a lifeline for pastoralists, ensuring that their herds remain healthy and productive.

The project also organised 29 awareness campaigns, reaching more than 5,000 pastoralists with information on animal health, herd management, and livestock production. To further support pastoralists, handpumps have been installed along migratory routes and rehabilitated water reservoirs, providing clean water for livestock.

Reducing conflict and promoting peace

Conflict over access to land and water has been a longstanding issue in the area, particularly between farmers and pastoralists. Practical Action has worked to reduce these tensions by demarcating 10 kilometres of migratory routes. These routes help ensure that pastoralists have designated areas for grazing, minimising conflicts with farmers over land use.

Several peacebuilding workshops that bring together farmers and pastoralists to discuss resource management and conflict resolution have also been hosted. By fostering dialogue, Practical Action is helping to build a more peaceful and cooperative environment, essential for long-term development in the region.

Fighting desertification.

In a region where desertification is an ever-present threat, Practical Action has worked to restore degraded land and protect natural resources. The work established four community forests, planting more than 2,000 acacia trees to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and provide shade and fodder for livestock.
More than 1,500 farmers have also been trained in terrace construction, establishing over 2,100 terraces to prevent soil erosion and improve crop productivity. These environmental management initiatives are helping to ensure that the land remains viable for farming, even in the face of increasingly challenging climate conditions.

Looking Ahead

Despite the immense challenges posed by conflict and climate change, the work in North Darfur is delivering tangible results for some of Sudan’s most vulnerable communities.

The work demonstrates that, with the right support, communities can thrive even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Building climate & conflict resilient livelihoods for rural communities project is funded by UK Aid Match, a programme that matches public donations to aid projects and was managed by Practical Action.

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