Women's and Child's Rights,Protection &Empowerment

Building Hope Through Knowledge: Agricultural Capacity Building During Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis

As Sudan's war enters its third year, women and children remain among the most vulnerable populations, particularly in Darfur and other conflict-affected regions. Millions have been displaced, livelihoods have collapsed, schools and institutions have stopped functioning in many areas, and access to humanitarian assistance remains severely limited.

Women trapped in areas controlled by the RSF/Janjaweed face extraordinary challenges. Many have lost family members, been displaced multiple times, and struggle daily to provide food and safety for their children. Farming activities have been disrupted, markets have collapsed, and income-generating opportunities have nearly disappeared. In many of these areas, local volunteers and community members are often the only people able to reach affected families and provide support despite enormous risks.

In response, Darfur Women Network (DWN) continues to invest in community resilience and recovery through capacity building. While emergency assistance remains critical, knowledge and practical skills are essential tools that help communities prepare for recovery and rebuild their livelihoods.

Through a partnership with Rainbow Agricultural Training Center, DWN delivered three free online agricultural training workshops via WhatsApp between January and April 2026, reaching conflict-affected participants across 13 states in Sudan.

Capacity Building Achievements

Total Direct Beneficiaries: 423 participants

Marketing and Agricultural Development

January 2026 | 145 participants

Focused on agricultural marketing, value chains, business opportunities, and strategies for improving farmers' incomes.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

February 2026 | 130 participants

Covered:

• Soil and irrigation management
• Safe use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Occupational health and safety
• Post-harvest management
• Agricultural documentation and record keeping
• GAP certification requirements

Cooperative Societies as Business Platforms

April 2026 | 148 participants

Covered:

• Cooperative governance and management
• Value addition and processing
• Collective marketing and branding
• Digital transformation and e-commerce
• Market access and export readiness

Participants learned how cooperatives can strengthen market access, reduce costs, and improve economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Looking Ahead: Agricultural Project Planning and Feasibility Studies

DWN and Rainbow Agricultural Training Center are preparing a new flagship course on Agricultural Project Planning and Feasibility Studies.

Participants will learn:

• Project planning and management
• SWOT and PESTELE analysis
• Risk management
• Feasibility studies
• Financial analysis, including NPV and IRR
• Agricultural business development

Graduates will complete a project plan and feasibility study for their farm, business, or cooperative.

Next Step: Certified Improved Seeds for Food Security

Building on these training efforts, DWN is currently discussing a new initiative with Rainbow Agricultural Training Center to improve food security and economic empowerment for approximately 2,000 displaced and war-affected families.

The proposed project will support smallholder farmers cultivating five acres (or less) through the production and distribution of certified improved seeds. Many of these farmers rely on millet as their primary staple crop and source of household food security.

Rainbow Agricultural Training Center will provide full technical support to produce approximately 15 metric tons of certified seeds, from foundation seed to final "Blue Tag" certification. Planned seed production includes:

• Improved Millet (Zainab variety)
• Improved Sorghum (Wad Ahmed variety)
• Cowpea (Karima variety)
• Groundnut (Sudri variety)

The project is expected to be implemented in government-controlled areas where agricultural activities can be safely supported. By increasing access to quality seeds, the initiative aims to improve crop yields, strengthen food security, and create economic opportunities for vulnerable farming families recovering from the impacts of war.

Why This Work Matters

For many displaced women and families, agricultural knowledge and access to improved seeds represent one of the few remaining pathways toward self-reliance. These initiatives provide practical skills, strengthen resilience, and help communities prepare for recovery when conditions allow.

By investing in women, youth, and smallholder farmers today, we are helping build a foundation for long-term food security, economic empowerment, and community-led recovery.

Thank you for standing with the women, children, and families of Sudan. Your support makes it possible for communities affected by war to continue learning, adapting, and building hope for a more secure future.

 Here is your link: link: http://goto.gg/47978

Thank you