Sudan

Farming that Works in Sudan

Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense than ever as a result of climate change. Farmers and pastoralists struggling to cope resort to practices that can provide short-term relief but long-term resource depletion, such as mono-cropping and cutting down trees.  This has led to food insecurity, poor nutrition options and conflict between neighbouring groups. Farmers and pastoralists represent approximately 80% of the poorest people in Sudan, so enabling them to adapt to this new climate reality is vital to addressing poverty.

By combining traditional agricultural practices that maximise harvests while protecting soil fertility, water and the environment, we have regreened the desert and provided alternative incomes for families. We have demonstrated it is possible to change unsustainable practices that degrade the soil and increase challenges and conflict. Supported by clean energy and advanced weather information, we’ve worked with all communities so they cope better with their changing climate and improve their water management governance, their infrastructure and their knowledge.

Despite the conflict, our dedicated staff are committed to continuing to deliver incredible results on the ground. We aim to work with 500k farmers and pastoralists to improve their livelihoods and living conditions. Harnessing the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing, we aim to scale up our work in Sudan, bringing together communities, decision-makers and civil society as the cornerstone of our success.

Energy that Transforms in Sudan

Over 90% of North Darfur households depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Women and girls spend hours collecting firewood and cooking over open fires. By doing so, they breathe smoke that harms them and destroys their environment. By cooking with cleaner fuels and improved cookstoves, the health of women, girls and children improves. Girls’ access to education improves too by challenging the traditional distribution of household tasks, all while reducing environmental damage.

Our work ensures communities lead the process so that cookstoves and cleaner fuel are embedded in their lives. We help women become entrepreneurs by giving them the capacity to make and sell cookstoves and fuel. Practical Action supports this process with training and support in accessing funding to kick-start their new businesses and transform their entrepreneurial skills through budgeting and marketing. Working with a gender-focused approach helps boost the local economy and challenge the social norms that keep women in poverty and damage the environment.

In addition, we are working with villages to bridge the electricity access gap by encouraging investment in solar-powered home lighting and community-maintained pumps, providing water for human consumption, animals, and agriculture.

Now, we want to strengthen our links with all decision makers, civil society, United Nations agencies, donors, and rural communities to reach more people with our unique approach to accessing clean cooking fuels and renewable energy.

Resilience that Protects in Sudan

Climate change is a threat multiplier in Sudan. Floods, droughts and desertification are among the underlying causes of migration, conflict and displacement, which, in turn, causes hunger and poverty.

Working with rural communities, we construct dams, rehabilitate reservoirs (called hafir) and install solar-powered pumps across Sudan, bringing sustainable access to water for farming, drinking and for cattle so that crops flourish, people stay healthy and animals can cope with drought. In addition, communities now have early warning of heavy rain and prolonged dry periods through access to climate information. By bringing communities together to agree on land use and access, we reduce tension, and people can better plan and prepare an effective response to climate threats.

To maximise the impact of this work, our goal is to enhance environmental governance and effective natural resource management, helping to centre local knowledge and leadership through facilitating bold collaborations between decision makers, civil society groups, and local communities.