The Agricultural Heartland of Sudan: A Landscape of Contrasts Amidst Conflict
In the heart of Sudan lies Al Jazira state, a region renowned for its sprawling farmland and agricultural productivity. As the tarmac road winds through lush green fields, bordered by an irrigation canal, one might be tempted to believe that this idyllic scene is a testament to the country’s agricultural prowess. However, just an hour’s drive away, the state capital of Wad Madani is engulfed in chaos, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of a brutal conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the national army. This stark contrast between the promise of harvest and the grim reality of war paints a troubling picture of Sudan’s current state.
The Humanitarian Crisis: Hunger and Displacement
The ongoing conflict has precipitated a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions. According to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 14 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger, with 1.5 million teetering on the brink of famine. Despite the vast expanses of arable land, the violence has rendered farmers unable to cultivate their fields, pushing them towards mass starvation. The irony is palpable: a country with the potential to feed itself and its neighbors is now grappling with food insecurity.
Life at the Checkpoint: Militarization of Agriculture
At a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Al Jazira, the juxtaposition of rural life and militarization becomes evident. Farmers, some accompanied by soldiers, navigate the checkpoint as they transport goods and people. The presence of armed forces serves as a constant reminder of the conflict that looms over their livelihoods. Abdullahi, a lifelong farmer, reflects on the devastation wrought by the war. “The war has affected our farms so badly. There is no funding, no fuel, no fertiliser, no pesticides. There is nothing this year,” he laments, embodying the despair felt by many in the region.
Stories of Displacement: The Cost of War
As Abdullahi continues his journey deeper into Al Jazira, he encounters Yousif Hassan, who is fleeing the violence with his family. Yousif recounts the tragic fate of a neighboring village, Tanoub, where generations of families have been uprooted. “All their lentil farms were burnt down, and now they are scattered to different safe places. They left the village empty – not a single person stayed,” he shares, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on communities that once thrived on agriculture.
Gadarif: A Refuge for the Displaced
Traveling to Gadarif, Al Jazira’s neighboring state and another agricultural hub, the resilience of the local community shines through. Here, iconic sesame fields stand as a symbol of hope amidst despair. The community has rallied to support those displaced by the violence, transforming a religious school into a makeshift camp for 5,000 individuals. Among them are 280 pregnant women, many of whom sleep on mats on the hard ground, relying on the goodwill of volunteers for support.
Mansour, a displaced farmer, recounts the harrowing experiences that forced him and his family to flee. “The RSF came into our homes – attacking people, torturing people, and killing people,” he explains. The loss of their farms, where they grew wheat, sugar cane, eggplant, and watermelon, weighs heavily on their hearts as the harvest season approaches.
A Community Response: Solidarity in Crisis
In a moment of solidarity, a surprise meal arrives at the camp: buckets of cooked rice and potatoes donated by a group of agriculturalists eager to help. Fatma Adam Hassan, head of the Agricultural Development Organisation, emphasizes the urgent need for intervention. “The people here came with nothing, only what they escaped with. Yes, they are coming from farming areas, but they have nothing now to sustain themselves,” she states, underscoring the dire circumstances faced by the displaced.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The situation in Sudan’s agricultural heartland is a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. As the country grapples with the dual challenges of conflict and food insecurity, it is imperative for the international community to respond with urgency and compassion. The stories of Abdullahi, Yousif, and Mansour are not just tales of loss; they are calls to action, urging us to recognize the humanity behind the headlines and to support those striving to rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of war.