Recovery of Livelihoods of Vulnerable Farming and Pastoral Communities in Darfur

Lead Agency: FAO (with UNOPS and ILO)

Pillar 3: Economic Recovery

Project Objectives

• Improve access to water and productive resources by pastoralist and agro pastoralist households to enhance agricultural and livestock based livelihoods and promote natural resources management

Introduction & Problem Statement:

The ongoing conflict in the Darfur region has destroyed the livelihoods of millions of people. The importance of water resources for the livelihoods of people in the Darfur Region cannot be overstated. Agriculture and livestock are the two key sources of livelihoods for Darfuris and are both dependent on rainwater. Prolonged conflicts, massive population growth, urbanization and climate change have had a negative impact on the water infrastructure in Darfur in recent years and disputes over natural resources such as water, land and pasture have fueled conflict, particularly between pastoralist and farming communities. The majority of hafirs and water yards and many small-scale irrigation systems have become dysfunctional. In addition, many systems have outlived their lifespan or have collapsed from inadequate maintenance. Improving agricultural and livestock production throughout the value chains is critical for transforming traditional systems into sustainable productive resources. The project will support creation of entrepreneurs in agribusiness to contribute to both reduction of post-harvest losses and creation of employment. Addressing environmental concerns is a critical task for achieving longer term stability. Rehabilitation of hafirs and shallow wells and construction of subsurface dams will greatly contribute to sustaining agricultural and livestock based livelihoods and peaceful coexistence and is a prerequisite to supporting long term sustainable return. The Project will be undertaken in 55 sites in four Darfur states involving rehabilitation of 15 hafirs and 20 shallow wells and construction of 20 subsurface dams. The selection of the water facilities’ type and location was made in collaboration with the state authorities of the national water corporations, NGOs and Darfur Regional Authority in Darfur, but will be revisited before implementation to ensure lack of hindrances. The total population that will benefit from this project is estimated at 288,000 IDPs, returnees and host communities (with more than 50% women and girls). The targeted communities are predominately pastoralists, farmers and agro-pastoralists who depend on livestock (approximately one million animals) and winter farming for family income and nutrition. The target population is distributed as follows: 55% host communities; 23% returnees; and 22% IDPs (10% pure pastoralists, 30% farmers and 60% agro pastoralists).The project will also help to reduce sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) as improved access to water will reduce vulnerability and personal risk associated with fetching water from long distances. The project will improve agricultural and livestock productivity through promotion of farmer and pastoral field schools, community based seed multiplication and pasture rehabilitation and enhancing animal health delivery system. The ultimate result will be improved household income and nutrition among the targeted vulnerable segments of the rural population in Darfur, with a special focus on women.

Aim:

The project aims to mitigate one of the root causes of the natural resource-based conflicts in Darfur by focusing on the water interventions and promoting constructive dialogue between the users related to natural resource management and access, as assets for the agricultural and livestock based livelihoods of the most vulnerable groups -especially women, youth, IDPs and nomads in the rural areas of Darfur.

Specific short term objectives include:

• Improve water supply for livestock and winter vegetable farming;
• Promote community-based management systems for the water facilities;
• Improve agricultural and livestock production and productivity throughout the value chains;
• Enhance livelihoods’ recovery and natural resources’ management of the affected population;
• Improve technical skills for on- farm and off- farm enterprises.

Implementing Partners:

The Project will be implemented by FAO, UNOPS and ILO in close coordination and partnership with the DRA relevant Ministries and Commissions, Darfur States Water Corporation and Companies, NGOs and private sector.