As the rainy season commences farmers in Sudan’s Central Darfur State have started preparing to head to their fields to cultivate essential grains and crops to ensure food security for the community throughout the year.
However, this year’s agricultural season begins amid severe threats of famine and acute food shortages. Farmers also face numerous security risks and humanitarian challenges due to the ongoing war which has jeopardized their agricultural activities and puts the entire farming season at risk.
Abdulghani Haroun, the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee for Central Darfur State, said they have initiated mechanisms to make the agricultural season successful.
“The committee has launched an initiative to protect the agricultural season aimed at mending relations between farmers and herders, which have become increasingly strained due to the current war,” he explained. “This initiative requires doubled efforts to prevent conflicts and implement security measures, particularly during the early stages of farming, whether in the fields, markets, or farmers’ settlements known as locally as Kanabi.”
Haroun highlighted several technical measures taken by the committee, including tours to rural areas such as Arkum, Kadlngi, Terij, Markabij, and Amar Jadid to ensure social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and stability by among other measures forming joint community committees from various components.
He however noted ongoing issues in regions like Abta, Nertiti, and Khor Ramla, which need continuous efforts.
“The initiative also aims to employ agricultural advisors to assist farmers in planting quick-yield crops to mitigate the severe food shortage and avoid imminent famine,” Haround stated. “These advisors will also guide herders to cultivate small areas for self-sufficiency and educate them on participating in protecting the agricultural season.”
He emphasized that addressing agricultural issues this year necessitates further consultation and dialogue through a comprehensive conference to find holistic solutions for farming problems in the region.
Regarding security, Haroun mentioned that farmers have the option to secure their farms either by employing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or forming their security committees in coordination with the paramilitary outfit that is engaged in war with the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
The official also warned of looming famine which threatens the entire state, and particularly the state capital Zalingei, where many families suffer from severe food shortages. He reported that numerous areas in rural Azum, Wadi Salih, and Jabal Marra are experiencing hunger, with little hope for immediate humanitarian aid for those in need.