Italy supports rural development projects in eastern Sudan region
September 5, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Italian government has granted 600,000Euros to fund a food and nutrition project in eastern Sudan which will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
“The Integrated Food Security and Livelihoods Project (IFSLP) will target 7.500 households (45.000 people) from four localities, including Telkok and Rural Aroma in Kassala State, and Sinkat and Derdub in Red Sea State,” said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
“The rural poor in Eastern Sudan, particularly in Red Sea State, are not among the communities targeted for humanitarian funding under Sudan’s Humanitarian Response Plan, despite the protracted crises that they face,” said Abdi Jama, head of FAO office in Sudan.
The project will introduce climate-smart agriculture technologies to transform and reorient agricultural system to support food security in the two states which are affected by the climate change.
“These activities are designed to increase access to local food by boosting agricultural and livestock production, which is an important way to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition for local families and communities” said the statement.
The Italian Development Cooperation has focused its interventions in Eastern Sudan since the signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and implemented several health and rural development projects..
“We are aware of the critical situation in the Kassala and Red Sea States. This is the reason why strengthening the livelihoods of rural communities is a priority for the Italian Development Cooperation. We are happy to deepen the collaboration with FAO to fight food insecurity and malnutrition in Eastern Sudan,” says Italian Ambassador to Sudan, Fabrizio Lobasso.
(ST)