Report Summary
Sudan’s Sahelian region, including White Nile State, faces recurring drought challenges compounded by environmental degradation and socioeconomic issues impacting agriculture and pastoralists. Historical droughts have led to famine, displacement, and economic hardship, manifesting in reduced crop yields, degraded pastures, and increased social conflicts, particularly affecting smallholder farmers and pastoralists in the Al Salam locality.
In response, Sudan (represented by the Hydraulics Research Centre – Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources) is executing the DRESS-EA project (Strengthening Drought Resilience for Smallholder Farmers and Pastoralists in the IGAD Region), which is funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS). The project aims to bolster the resilience of communities across the IGAD region against climate change risks, particularly drought. Therefore, one of the project’s key goals is developing this response plan for mitigating drought impacts and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices within the locality.
The Drought Emergency Response Plan (DERP) for the Al Salam locality evaluates community vulnerabilities, and current capacities, and proposes targeted interventions. It was developed using a robust methodology that included desk work, literature analysis, site visits, observations, community surveys, and consultations with key stakeholders. The assessment examines community demographics, agricultural and livestock practices, vegetation trends, climate data, water resources, economic activities, institutional support, and perceptions. This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough understanding of the local context and tailoring of interventions to meet specific community needs.
Key drought impacts assessed in the area include reduced crop yields, soil degradation, pest infestations, inadequate irrigation, water scarcity for livestock, diminished forage, high mortality rates, and economic losses. Socioeconomic effects involve economic hardship, food insecurity, migration, community strain, and health issues, particularly affecting women and children. Gaps identified include inadequate skills in drought
resilience, insufficient early warning systems, limited training programs, and a lack of 6tgbresources such as agricultural inputs, livestock support, and financial services. Infrastructure gaps include inadequate irrigation, water storage, and market access, while institutional deficiencies highlight weak coordination, outdated policies, and limited information-sharing.
The comprehensive plan for Al Salam addresses both immediate and long-term scenarios to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms. Immediate actions (short-term) focus on enhancing water harvesting and storage capabilities through rainwater harvesting, constructing farm ponds, and promoting small dams. Establishing a drought monitoring task force is crucial for overseeing early warning systems, rainfall monitoring, and disseminating warnings. Livestock protection involves emergency fodder reserves, health programs, and herd management policies. Support for farmers includes distributing drought-resistant crop varieties, promoting water conservation, and improving credit access. Alternative livelihood programs like poultry farming, beekeeping, and handicrafts training should be initiated, alongside immediate coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and communities for a unified response.
Long-term (i.e. future) priorities include building capacity through training in sustainable agriculture, water management, and establishing early warning systems. Infrastructure development is needed, encompassing extensive irrigation systems, water storage facilities, and improved market access via enhanced transportation networks. Supporting farmers with seed banks for drought-resistant varieties and comprehensive water conservation systems is crucial. Livestock management should establish permanent fodder reserves and breeding programs for drought-tolerant breeds. Encouraging climate insurance programs have also been strongly advocated for to cover/protect both farmers and pastoralist groups. Alternative livelihoods include agroforestry, aquaculture, and vocational training in renewable energy and eco-tourism. Environmental rehabilitation focuses on restoring forest cover and grasslands through reforestation and community-led sustainable land management. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and policy development ensures coordinated strategies and effective information-sharing. Recovery efforts should replenish livestock, rehabilitate rangelands, and water sources, and update contingency plans. Long-term resource mobilization includes cross-border collaboration for pastoralists and funding mechanisms or international partnerships to support resilience initiatives.
Overall, the Drought Emergency Response Plan offers a collaborative and adaptive framework tailored to improve livelihoods and community resilience in the Al Salam locality, effectively
enhancing the socio-economic well-being of its inhabitants. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the drought management plan activities in the Al Salam locality, there were some strategies recommended. Also, the DERP emphasized the importance of the adoption of gender-responsive Strategies, rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework, and paying closure attention to coordination among all stakeholders including communities.
Prepared by:
Ahmed A. H. Siddig1, Nusseiba Nour Eldeen2, Yousif Elnour Yagoub3, and Karam Ibrahim4