With over half of Sudan’s population facing hunger, farmers in the country’s east have turned to cultivating potatoes and sweet potatoes. This is not the first time these crops serve as lifeline for people in need.
In the heart of New Halfa, Eastern Sudan, a glimmer of hope shines through the ongoing conflict. Farmers are cautiously optimistic as food production surpasses last year’s levels, thanks to improved rainfall and vital support from international organizations. Potato and sweetpotato cultivation, in particular, has seen a significant uptick. This winter, 180 hectares of land have been dedicated to potato cultivation, with an anticipated yield of over 1,200 tons.
Food as a weapon: Sudan’s hunger crisis deepens
With less than a third of Sudan’s arable land currently accessible, these developments are crucial. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has plunged the nation into the world’s largest hunger crisis, affecting a staggering 26 million people. A recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council exposes the grim reality of hunger being used as a weapon, with food systems disrupted and aid blockades hindering relief efforts.
A resilient crop: Potatoes and sweetpotatoes offer a lifeline
As a ceasefire remains elusive and food aid struggles to reach those in need, local food production has become a critical lifeline. Potatoes and sweetpotatoes emerge as ideal crops for this challenging context. Both mature rapidly, exhibit drought tolerance, and provide essential nutrients. Moreover, they require significantly less water than cereals and yield up to four times more food. Additionally, sweetpotato vines serve as excellent livestock feed, making them particularly valuable amid Eastern Sudan’s ongoing water crisis and grazing conflicts.
CIP steps in: Supporting farmers and boosting food security
The International Potato Center (CIP) is at the forefront of efforts to support these resilient crops. This global research organization is dedicated to improving livelihoods, nutrition, and food security. In Sudan, CIP, in collaboration with partners, is actively providing potato seeds, sweetpotato vines, and essential agricultural training. They have also established 30 farmer field schools to empower local communities. Many of these initiatives are generously funded by USAID through the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS) project.
To further bolster the agricultural infrastructure, CIP has invested in seven cold storage units capable of storing 650 tons of potatoes. Additionally, 40 silage cutting machines and 25 silage silos have been installed to enhance livestock feeding. A state-of-the-art tissue culture lab and screenhouse in Kassala City are essential for providing farmers with high-quality planting materials, free from pests and diseases.
A history of hope: CIP’s role in crisis response
CIP has a long-standing history of providing emergency relief services by promoting improved potato and sweetpotato farming in disaster and conflict-affected regions. Recent interventions in Mozambique and Ethiopia have significantly boosted food production for hundreds of thousands of people. As Sudan’s farmlands become battlegrounds, potatoes and sweetpotatoes, once again, offer a glimmer of hope and a potential lifeline for many.
Source: International Potato Center (CIP). Original news story here
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