The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed $5 million (approximately Ksh 640 million) to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and avert the looming threat of famine. This significant contribution will be channeled through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, targeting emergency assistance for crop production, livestock management, and veterinary services for 275,000 vulnerable smallholder farmer and pastoralist households. This initiative is expected to benefit at least 1,375,000 individuals.
Urgent Need for Action
Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the critical importance of this aid: “We must do everything in our power to halt a famine in Sudan. That is what this contribution aims to achieve. Providing emergency agricultural support, which will benefit around 1,375,000 people, can mitigate this risk and enhance the resilience of vulnerable farming and pastoralist communities.”
The one-year program, managed by FAO, is designed to offer comprehensive support, including emergency livelihood assistance for 155,000 smallholder farmer households, affecting approximately 775,000 individuals. This support is pivotal to the FAO Humanitarian Response Plan 2024, which aims to assist 1.8 million households, ensure direct livelihoods for 9 million people in Sudan, and contribute significantly to food production for the broader population.
Enhancing Livelihoods and Reducing Losses
AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, reiterated the organization’s commitment: “This support is crucial to the FAO Humanitarian Response Plan 2024 objectives of reaching out to 1.8 million households, ensuring direct livelihoods for 9 million people in Sudan, and contributing to food production for the wider population. We are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve, and this contribution brings us one step closer to our goal in Sudan.”
The project also aims to reduce livestock losses through prophylactic vaccination against transboundary animal diseases and deworming, targeting 2 million heads of animals. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 600,000 individuals, with at least 25% being women-headed households.
Focus on Women and Girls
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, Nusseibeh highlighted the UAE’s inclusive approach: “Women and girls face a disproportionate impact of the grave threat that conflict poses, which is why the UAE is ensuring that this contribution also includes a specific focus on female-headed households. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs in Sudan but contributes to sustainable development and long-term stability.”
This contribution is part of a broader $70 million commitment by the UAE, announced in April at the ‘International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries’. The UAE pledged this amount to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The UAE’s financial assistance to Sudan is a testament to its ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes and regional stability. By addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable populations and focusing on long-term resilience, this initiative aims to create a sustainable impact.
The allocation of funds for emergency crop, livestock, and veterinary assistance reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling food insecurity and supporting agricultural productivity. These efforts are crucial in a country where the agricultural sector plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods of millions.
Moreover, the specific focus on women-headed households underscores the importance of gender-sensitive interventions in conflict-affected areas. Women and girls often bear the brunt of conflicts, facing heightened risks and challenges. By prioritizing their needs, the UAE’s contribution aims to promote gender equality and empower women as key agents of change in their communities.
The UAE’s $5 million contribution to Sudan, in partnership with FAO, represents a critical step towards mitigating the risk of famine and supporting the country’s most vulnerable populations. This initiative not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also lays the groundwork for sustainable development and long-term stability.
As Sudan continues to grapple with complex challenges, international support and solidarity remain essential. The UAE’s proactive approach serves as a model for other nations and underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing global humanitarian crises. By investing in resilience and inclusive development, the international community can help pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for Sudan and its people.
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