Red Cross distributes seed and tools for South Darfur farmers

April 4, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The International Red Cross (ICRC) distributed vegetable seed and farming tools to 9,000 farmers in the Yara and Gardud areas of South Darfur state in March, ahead of the rainy season.

The operation means to enable vulnerable farmers and agro-pastoralists who cannot afford to buy seed and tools for the vegetable-growing season in the trouble region of Darfur to sustain their livelihood and also to create income-generating activities.

The 1.2 metric tonnes of watermelon, tomato, okra, spinach, carrot, cucumber and onion seed that were given out, in addition to hoes and rakes, should enable those receiving the aid to resume their farming activities.

“Each family will be able to plant up to one faddan (4,000 square metres),” said Jan Kannanthodath, an ICRC delegate in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, who specializes in economic security. “Families will be able to generate cash by selling some of their produce.”

Last year, the ICRC gave seed and tools to 43,000 families in Darfur before the start of the rainy season to help them maintain their traditional livelihood. The ICRC is carrying out an even bigger operation in 2009 that includes other areas in South Darfur such as Gereida and Bulbul.

The main aim of the ICRC in the Nyala area is to enable people to sustain their livelihood by renovating and maintaining water-supply systems, promoting hygiene and supporting medical services.

The ICRC’s field surgical team, based in Nyala, can operate on people injured in fighting anywhere in the country.

The ICRC also works closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent to spread awareness of its work, restore links between families separated by the conflict, and implement joint programmes.

(ST)