Stories
June 21, 2022 • 2 min read
Accessing adequate markets for farming tools and inputs like seeds can be difficult in Sudan’s Northern Darfur State. Years of conflict have hindered the development of the region’s economic and agricultural systems.
With a household of 6 children and no source of income, Hadija Adam Salah, 36, and her family had little options to improve their circumstances. But through GOAL’s support of conflict affected people in North Darfur, and financial voucher assistance received, Hadija and her family were able to increase their farming yields.
“My family is very grateful to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the seeds & tools voucher system from GOAL. We were worried that we would not have enough to plant this year, but this all changed when our household was identified as one of the vulnerable displaced families. As we do not have a source of income, we rely on subsistence farming.”
“Now I am glad that with the seeds that I have purchased from GOAL will support my family once we harvest” she concluded.
Seed and Tool Fair in Kutum, Northern Darfur, Sudan.
Improving Markets
Hadija purchased her high-quality seeds at a seed and tool fair organised in Kutum town by GOAL, with key stakeholders participating including; local authorities, community leaders and staff from the agricultural department. Most importantly, local farmers in need of improved seeds and/or tools were provided with vouchers to purchase vital agricultural goods. Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa, the representative of Humanitarian Aid Commission in Kutum, was present at the fair and was impressed with the opportunities it presented for local farmers and traders.
“We thank GOAL and USAID the donor as this support is very timely to farmers who have received seeds just before the planting season.”
Jafer Hafiz, a tool trader living in Kutum, participated at the fair, selling agricultural tools. He said “By participating in this fair, I sold goods at an amount of SDG 3,440,000 (5,500 USD). “I consider my participation beneficial, not only financially for myself but also to support the community with the farm tools they need.”
Efficient Voucher Systems
GOAL Sudan’s Food Security Coordinator, Elkhidir Elyass Abdellah said that “the voucher system as a form of delivery for the agricultural inputs has been a very efficient intervention, as the beneficiaries purchased the inputs just as they would with cash. We would like to express gratitude to USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance for funding these interventions. This is a good start, and we will continue to provide the agricultural inputs to local farmers and hold events like this.”
To learn more about GOAL’s work in Sudan, please visit: https://www.goalglobal.org/countries/sudan/
