28^th November, Port Sudan – More than 1 million people in displacement sites and host communities across three states in Sudan will benefit from increased food security, employment opportunities, solar power and clean water, as part of a new 2-year programme announced today by the United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

The programme, which will run initially in Kassala, Gedaref and River Nile, is funded with US$5 million from Silatech, US$3.5 million from King Salman Relief and US$1.1 million from the Government of Italy.

"Food insecurity affects 26 million people, and addressing this crisis requires more than short-term solutions," said Surayo Buzurukova, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative. "By empowering farmers, equipping young people with skills, and strengthening infrastructure, this programme will create lasting change. It will build self-reliant communities, reduce resource-based conflicts, and decrease aid dependency."

The programme will reduce food insecurity for over 63,000 families by supporting famers and pastoralists to improve yields through training, agricultural inputs and improved infrastructure. This includes providing improved seeds, tractors and fertilizer; arranging animal vaccinations; and establishing community-based storage systems to prevent post-harvest losses.

To boost economic activity, the programme will support women farmers with tools, solar pumps and fertilizers, as well as offering agricultural extension services and access to savings and loan schemes. For almost 18,000 youth, the programme will offer small grants, land and tools to help them earn money in the agriculture and livestock sectors, while cash-for-work schemes to build and repair infrastructure will generate more than 2,500 short-term employment opportunities. The programme will also set up associations to help farmers negotiate collectively for higher prices.

More than 50 new water yards and water stations will be built or repaired, helping to irrigate land and provide clean water for almost 2 million people, particularly in areas where they are most at risk of waterborne diseases. These facilities, as well as expanded or repaired systems for water filtration, distribution and storage, will be powered by solar energy and maintained by people trained locally, helping to ensure sustainability and boost skills.

"This initiative reinforces the Ministry's current plan within the post-war economic vision for recovery and reconstruction," Said Ikhlas Mohamed Ali, Director General of the External Finance Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. "We are working to make the effort continuous, and we commend the partnership between UNDP and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning."

More than 11 million people have been displaced across Sudan, placing huge pressure on host communities. In order to reduce competition for services that were already very limited, the programme will repair clinics, schools and basic infrastructure in both host communities and IDP gathering areas. This includes the provision of solar lighting making areas safer at night, particularly for women and children.

To further reduce tensions and ensure equitable access to resources, the programme will establish four Peace and Social Cohesion Committees to facilitate inter-community dialogue and mediation. It will also support sports activities and cultural fairs that bring together people from different communities.

For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:

Hajer Suliman | Head of Communications | UNDP Country Office in Sudan

                       hajer.suliman@undp.org  | Mobile and WhatsApp +249918008819

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