Food Security & Agriculture
About The Program:
Darfur refugees were farmers before they fled Sudan in 2003. Now living in refugee camps in Chad, they are dependent on the World Food Program for food. Unfortunately, rations are low so the allotted provisions do not cover the need. As a result, refugees requested urgent assistance from the Darfur Women Network in establishing small-scale farming and home gardening projects to produce their own food. The project will provide 1000 refugee families with rented land, seed and equipment they need to produce flourishing communities, agricultural security and personal empowerment.
The Need:
More than 262,000 refugees crossed the border to Chad in escape from the violence and instability in Darfur. They were native farmers in their home of Sudan, but do not have the resources they need to reestablish agriculture. Refugees face malnutrition regularly, as the World Food Program experiences food ration delays. In addition, the rations themselves have been reduced leaving many families with access to contaminated food or none at all. Starvation, illness and disease have become epidemic throughout the camps.
How We Can Make This Happen:
The Food Security and Agriculture Program will provide vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, the elderly and widows with financial assistance, land, seed and equipment to produce their own food. The farmers will be trained in agricultural working groups, taught marketing skills, record keeping of food production, financial accountability and evaluation of agricultural success. The Darfur refugees are a vibrant community with an understanding of the land and a love for farming. They simply need the tools and some guidance on how to become self sufficient again after the tragic experiences they have and still face. We know that with your support, we can assist these incredibly brave individuals to rebuild their farms and reestablish successful farming communities once again claiming food security and agricultural independence.
