Response to UK government aid package for Sudan

“It is crucial to include resilience and recovery.”

Practical Action has welcomed a UK government commitment to a £113m package of support for the people of Sudan.

We have been delivering programmes of work with those living in Darfur and in the east of Sudan since the civil war began 18 months ago.

Our work has focused on boosting food security and access to water, generating longer-term resilience for communities. Read more about how we are still delivering hope amidst adversity.

Most recently, we have introduced a new energy access and food programme. This is enabling communities to use solar power for crop irrigation and improving water access, creating more reliable harvests and improved health.

Muna Eltahir, Practical Action’s Sudan Director said: “The focus on supporting people still living in Sudan and those who have fled the conflict is very much welcome, and I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of our team for this commitment.

“Humanitarian aid and support for the millions of displaced people within Sudan is absolutely necessary to help alleviate some of their suffering.

“However, Practical Action is committed to delivering solutions that go beyond these immediate humanitarian needs by working to boost the long-term resilience of the communities who remain in the country.

“We have been working with farmers and communities to enhance their food security. By growing a wider variety of fast-yielding, highly nutritious crops, such as sweet potatoes, sorghum and millet, farmers can support the large number of internally displaced people who move into their surrounding areas. And with solar powered water pumps, crops can flourish in challenging growing conditions.

“Our work creates resilience. People become less reliant on aid and can produce more food during crisis, then recover more quickly once peace returns.

“For example, we have constructed vital water infrastructure, such as reservoirs and dams. This reduces competition for water, promoting peace among neighbouring communities. It also creates more farm and pastureland, which builds longer-term food security and promotes a quicker recovery.

“It is therefore crucial this funding supports an approach that gives people the chance to earn a living, produce their own crops, live in a dignified way and recover quickly.

“We are calling for at least some of the funding to be used for this purpose, alongside the immediate humanitarian response needed to keep people safe, fed and sheltered.

“My team are experts in this field of work, and we want to hear from you if you would like to discuss opportunities to collaborate with Practical Action in Sudan.”

Contact us to find out more.