Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative in Sudan

Summary

Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative (CIFI) will train 3,000 women over three years how to use sustainable farming practices to grow crops that can both be sold for profit and feed their families.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In just a few months, a plot of land that was once unused will become green and lush, covered with collard greens, bell peppers, watermelon, and more. A few hotels in Rumbek are already receiving small deliveries of vegetables, and have expressed great satisfaction with the product. With 40% of food imported into Sudan, the demand for produce from CIFI far outpaces the current numbers of trained women in the program. More women in the program means more women involved in sustainable solutions.

How will this project solve this problem?

Currently, 880 women are being trained on land use, irrigation, crop types, and farming techniques as well as marketing of their products. Eventually, the program will include 3,000 women who will run a cooperative agribusiness on over 148 acres.

Potential Long Term Impact

“CIFI is a cooperative income generation model that will not only increase local food production and bring down food prices, it will also decrease the demand for outside assistance by empowering women,” says Karen Sherman, Director of Global Programs

Project Message

"We women used to depend on our husbands in providing funds, But through this project we have become self reliant, and at the same time, we contribute to the well-being of our families.”
- Deborah Yar Wau, 53 year old mother of 11 and program participant

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources