Sudan
Technical Feasibility Study for Establishing a Mango Pulp Processing Plant in South Kordofan
This technical consultancy is commissioned to assess the viability of a multi-fruit processing facility in South Kordofan region. This region is mango-rich where 35% of all Sudanese mangos originate and therefore a process- ing facility would sit at the heart of the raw material source. Operational best-practices generally promote value-addition facilities to be located either closer to the end user or at the raw material source.
The feasibility study included extensive secondary research on the subject as well as an intensive element of primary research that included field work across South Kordofan (Kadogly, Rashaad, Tandik and Abu Jubeiha), interviews with KIIs, focus groups with farmers, traders & women associations and observational assessments. The analysis of the data and information was enriched by engagement with the supply chain who guided the team to design the appropriate value chain that is conducive to the environment.
This research recommends the adoption of the dormant Tandik facility for the fruit processing facility. Our architectural team have analysed the data and information and trust the Tandik site would require investment to upgrade the facility, but it provides a substantial launch pad for the project to have a near-ready facility. Moreover, the authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture at Kadogly, Rashaad and Abu Jubeiha localities, have all endorsed the adoption of this site and are willing to champion tax and rent concessions for the operator. Read More...
The feasibility study included extensive secondary research on the subject as well as an intensive element of primary research that included field work across South Kordofan (Kadogly, Rashaad, Tandik and Abu Jubeiha), interviews with KIIs, focus groups with farmers, traders & women associations and observational assessments. The analysis of the data and information was enriched by engagement with the supply chain who guided the team to design the appropriate value chain that is conducive to the environment.
This research recommends the adoption of the dormant Tandik facility for the fruit processing facility. Our architectural team have analysed the data and information and trust the Tandik site would require investment to upgrade the facility, but it provides a substantial launch pad for the project to have a near-ready facility. Moreover, the authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture at Kadogly, Rashaad and Abu Jubeiha localities, have all endorsed the adoption of this site and are willing to champion tax and rent concessions for the operator. Read More...
Step Up to Empower Women and End Violence Value Chain and IGA Analysis
This study was conducted in order to assess the socio-economic situation in the project-targeted area and identify potential opportunities for women to participate in far-reaching value chains. This has been done through identifying potential cash crops and their value chains to support women to benefit from; and create clear pathways to participate. In addition to that, the study aims to identify potential key income generating activities mainly for girls and women. The study was conducted for CARE International in Sudan within the project of “Step Up to Empower Women and End Violence” (SEEV) being implemented in Abujibiha and Rashad localities in South Kordofan.
The methodology was based on secondary data collected from the project documents and the reports from relevant government institutions. The primary data formed the backbone of the report and was collected through direct fieldwork that involved Focused Group Discussion (FGDs), Semi Structured Interviews (SSI), Key Informants (KI) and questionnaire administered in seven communities that were sampled covering a total sample size of 600 households. In addition to that, Information sources included women groups, CBOs, project stakeholders and Value Chain actors at markets and production sites.
The main findings of the study indicated that the households’ demographic characteristics are typical for rural households. Illiteracy rates are as high as 29.5% at Tandik in Rashad locality. This will need to be considered in extension messages and delivery of the extension activities, especially in Gabarouna and Taypa in Abujibiha and Tandik in Rashad localities.
Farming constitutes the main livelihood mainstay for households in the targeted area and the main source of income; however, Abujibiha households adopt other sources of income compared to Rashad. More than 60% aof people in the two localities own the land that they cultivate, while 30% of the two localities cannot cultivate all the land they have because they have no resources to do this.
The crops selected for value chain especially sorghum, sesame and groundnut are found to be strategic in relation to food security as well as sources of income. The estimated percentage sold reached 56%, 90% and 64% for the crops respectively in Abujibiha and 46%, 80% and 68% for Rashad locality. There is a need to focus on making the agricultural system more effective and improving agricultural production process through addressing each of the issues stated as explained with details in the report.
Results proved that the farming activities of the selected crops for value chain are not noticeably different between the two localities; however, minor differences exist as indicated by soil characteristics or some specific culture (a group may prefer to grow specific crop). Farming is dominated by womenm where almost 70% of the farming practiced at Bildat (rainy season and winter season) and Gubraka is practiced by women. This is true of sorghum, groundnut, cow pea, and pumpkin. The study revealed that components of agricultural production system, including seed sources, farming practices and storage, in addition to promotion of financing services represent entrance for improving production process, the quality and increasing productivity. Organizing farmers mainly women in production groups and enhancing agricultural extension and agricultural protection through demonstrations and adoption of Integrated Pest Management approach are considered as promising means and added value in relation decreasing loss in harvest. Sorghum, groundnut and sesame cultivation found to be rewarding and contributing remarkably to women income. This is because women dominate cultivation of these crops at Bildat farms (small farms close to villages). Vegetables and other crops grown at Gubraka level also contribute to household food security as well as income.
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The methodology was based on secondary data collected from the project documents and the reports from relevant government institutions. The primary data formed the backbone of the report and was collected through direct fieldwork that involved Focused Group Discussion (FGDs), Semi Structured Interviews (SSI), Key Informants (KI) and questionnaire administered in seven communities that were sampled covering a total sample size of 600 households. In addition to that, Information sources included women groups, CBOs, project stakeholders and Value Chain actors at markets and production sites.
The main findings of the study indicated that the households’ demographic characteristics are typical for rural households. Illiteracy rates are as high as 29.5% at Tandik in Rashad locality. This will need to be considered in extension messages and delivery of the extension activities, especially in Gabarouna and Taypa in Abujibiha and Tandik in Rashad localities.
Farming constitutes the main livelihood mainstay for households in the targeted area and the main source of income; however, Abujibiha households adopt other sources of income compared to Rashad. More than 60% aof people in the two localities own the land that they cultivate, while 30% of the two localities cannot cultivate all the land they have because they have no resources to do this.
The crops selected for value chain especially sorghum, sesame and groundnut are found to be strategic in relation to food security as well as sources of income. The estimated percentage sold reached 56%, 90% and 64% for the crops respectively in Abujibiha and 46%, 80% and 68% for Rashad locality. There is a need to focus on making the agricultural system more effective and improving agricultural production process through addressing each of the issues stated as explained with details in the report.
Results proved that the farming activities of the selected crops for value chain are not noticeably different between the two localities; however, minor differences exist as indicated by soil characteristics or some specific culture (a group may prefer to grow specific crop). Farming is dominated by womenm where almost 70% of the farming practiced at Bildat (rainy season and winter season) and Gubraka is practiced by women. This is true of sorghum, groundnut, cow pea, and pumpkin. The study revealed that components of agricultural production system, including seed sources, farming practices and storage, in addition to promotion of financing services represent entrance for improving production process, the quality and increasing productivity. Organizing farmers mainly women in production groups and enhancing agricultural extension and agricultural protection through demonstrations and adoption of Integrated Pest Management approach are considered as promising means and added value in relation decreasing loss in harvest. Sorghum, groundnut and sesame cultivation found to be rewarding and contributing remarkably to women income. This is because women dominate cultivation of these crops at Bildat farms (small farms close to villages). Vegetables and other crops grown at Gubraka level also contribute to household food security as well as income.
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Step up to Empower Women and End Violence (SEEV) Baseline Survey
South Kordofan’s localities of Rashad and Abujubeiha have been affected by the instability created by the conflict between the Government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- North (SPLM-N). The population of those localities have been significantly affected by the humanitarian crises that resulted from this conflict. However, amongst different segments of the communities, women are the most affected by the humanitarian crisis as many of family responsibilities are placed on them. Indeed, the challenges that women face increase as they often find themselves heading households because men family members migrate to other parts in Sudan looking for jobs and income opportunities.
CARE international Switzerland (CIS) is implementing a two-year project funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Step up to Empower Women and End Violence (SEEV). The project works in partnership with different stakeholders at the local and federal level. The principal objective of the project is “to empower women and girls living in Abujubeiha and Rashad localities, South Kordofan state, to achieve a good quality of life and a life free from violence”. This is planned to be achieve through promoting women engagement in decision-making forums; women economic empowerment; and enabling environment for women and girls. Read More...
CARE international Switzerland (CIS) is implementing a two-year project funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Step up to Empower Women and End Violence (SEEV). The project works in partnership with different stakeholders at the local and federal level. The principal objective of the project is “to empower women and girls living in Abujubeiha and Rashad localities, South Kordofan state, to achieve a good quality of life and a life free from violence”. This is planned to be achieve through promoting women engagement in decision-making forums; women economic empowerment; and enabling environment for women and girls. Read More...
Multi Fruit Processing Line Feasibility Study and Assessment of Agricultural Value Chains in Abujubiha, South Kordofans
CARE International, Dalgroup, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Near East Foundation are the lead consortium partners in "Step up to Empower Women and End Violence’ (SEEV) project. CARE International aims to develop women and girl’s human capital and access to decision making thus, increasing their rights to seek social justice. The target population includes, women, girls, men, refugees IDPS including neighbouring communities in Abujubiha in South Kordofan. The mango pulp feasibility study set out to assess the economic, social, technical, agronomic, and environmental feasibility of processing pulp in Abujubiha using mango as primary raw material. The study research objectives were to establish the quality and quantity of mangos and other fruits for processing pulp, the technology options for processing, packaging and transporting the pulp to Khartoum for transformation by food & beverage industries. This study is also expected to assess the infrastructure gaps, skills gaps, suitable location for setting up the plant, as well as establish the level of investments required to support sustainable processing of multi-fruit processing facility in South Kordofan. Read More...
Barrier Analysis Study to understand the socio-economic and technical factors affecting water yards’ sustainability in Asalaya and Bahar Alarab localities, East Darfur State
Achieving sustainable operation, maintenance and management of water supply still poses major challenges in rural areas of East Darfur State, despite the progress achieved in terms of the construction of new facilities and/or rehabilitation of non-functional ones. The main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic and technical barriers to sustain the operation and maintenance of the water yards in Bahar Al Arab and Asalaya localities. The findings will be used to design the approaches to problems of water yards’ operation and maintenance in ED. The study investigated the technical, socio-economic/cultural factors, water tariffs and policy factors influencing sustainability of water supply for rural communities in the pilot localities. Different tools and techniques were applied to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a sample size of 1400 HHs served by 28 boreholes, 5 focus group discussions with water management committees and users, 18 community meetings and 33 questionnaires targeting key informants. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
The study findings show that there is a relationship between sustainable OM&M of water supply facilities and the technical, socio-economic, socio-cultural factors and water tariffs. The study has proved that the frequent breakdown of water facilities is largely because of poor maintenance culture. Another barrier is inadequate funds for O&M due to the way water tariff was set, collected and utilized. There was lack of involvement and participation of users in all process of water supply, which resulted in a lack of ownership and no role for users to support OM&M. Despite the fact that users are not involved in setting water tariffs, the study shows high level of users’ willing to pay for any service improvement. Technical factors were found to be limited due to lack of repairing tools like crane and inadequate technical capacity of the SWC maintenance teams at the locality level to deal with various aspects of water supply. Read More...
The study findings show that there is a relationship between sustainable OM&M of water supply facilities and the technical, socio-economic, socio-cultural factors and water tariffs. The study has proved that the frequent breakdown of water facilities is largely because of poor maintenance culture. Another barrier is inadequate funds for O&M due to the way water tariff was set, collected and utilized. There was lack of involvement and participation of users in all process of water supply, which resulted in a lack of ownership and no role for users to support OM&M. Despite the fact that users are not involved in setting water tariffs, the study shows high level of users’ willing to pay for any service improvement. Technical factors were found to be limited due to lack of repairing tools like crane and inadequate technical capacity of the SWC maintenance teams at the locality level to deal with various aspects of water supply. Read More...
Sawtahaa (Her Voice) in Peacebuilding and Recovery Actions Final Evaluation
The longstanding cultural practices across Sudan often exclude women from decision making, even in issues of direct concern to them, such as early marriage and FGM. This report builds on CARE's efforts in the context of the “Sawtahaa” project to analyse women's situation in the post conflict processes and to enhance transformative change in three areas, namely: structure, relations and agency. This was directed to enhance women's role in decision making and in addressing issues of direct concern to them.
The Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund (DCPSF) was launched in 2007 to help facilitate peacebuilding by restoring the capacity and authority of traditional community-based conflict resolution mechanism and to enhance the delivery of economic and basic social services by implementing a number of community-based activities.
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The Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund (DCPSF) was launched in 2007 to help facilitate peacebuilding by restoring the capacity and authority of traditional community-based conflict resolution mechanism and to enhance the delivery of economic and basic social services by implementing a number of community-based activities.
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Gender-Sensitive Conflict Analysis in South and East Darfur States, Sudan, 2022
CARE International in Sudan is implementing the project “Enhancing resilience through improved food security, disaster risk reduction and peaceful co-existence in South and East Darfur states, Sudan” (1 September 2021 – 31 August 2025) through funding from the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project addresses the specific needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of women, youth, and persons with disabilities to strengthen their resilience to buffer, adapt, and respond to future shocks at an individual, family, and community levels. This gender sensitive conflict analysis in East and South Darfur – representing eight villages – is to understand the causes, power and gender dynamics, and actors of conflicts in the project area.
The conflict in Darfur is escalating rapidly, with eight times more people killed and displaced in 2021 than in 2020. Inflation rose by 359% in 2021. Climate change—marked by devastating floods and prolonged droughts—combined with food insecurity and a lack of services leaves people feeling violence is their only choice.
A profoundly unequal and harmful set of social norms that do not value women, and even refer to them as vessels of the devil, coupled with laws that do not protect women and their rights, are pushing many burdens of this crisis onto women. A common saying is, “Almara mamlouka ela malak Almout” or “A woman is owned to death.” As the situation gets more extreme and livelihoods and service get scarcer, women are more likely to be working outside the home to help meet family needs. Men have not increased their involvement in household chores and childcare to compensate for these shifts—leaving women with even higher burdens than before. The shifts in women having to work outside the home have not translated into corresponding improvements in women’s rights, engagement in politics, or access to public life.
This research draws from 20 focus groups and 20 Key Informant Interviews that represent the views of 193 people (45% of whom were women) in eight villages in July of 2022. It also looks at 44 secondary sources.
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The conflict in Darfur is escalating rapidly, with eight times more people killed and displaced in 2021 than in 2020. Inflation rose by 359% in 2021. Climate change—marked by devastating floods and prolonged droughts—combined with food insecurity and a lack of services leaves people feeling violence is their only choice.
A profoundly unequal and harmful set of social norms that do not value women, and even refer to them as vessels of the devil, coupled with laws that do not protect women and their rights, are pushing many burdens of this crisis onto women. A common saying is, “Almara mamlouka ela malak Almout” or “A woman is owned to death.” As the situation gets more extreme and livelihoods and service get scarcer, women are more likely to be working outside the home to help meet family needs. Men have not increased their involvement in household chores and childcare to compensate for these shifts—leaving women with even higher burdens than before. The shifts in women having to work outside the home have not translated into corresponding improvements in women’s rights, engagement in politics, or access to public life.
This research draws from 20 focus groups and 20 Key Informant Interviews that represent the views of 193 people (45% of whom were women) in eight villages in July of 2022. It also looks at 44 secondary sources.
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equality and Food Security in the Arab region with a focus on the Sudan and Iraq
This rapid gender analysis (RGA) explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality and food security in the Arab region. It is a joint collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and CARE International (CARE). This collaboration recognizes the need to expand the evidence base on gender-differentiated impacts of crises for informed recovery and response planning, while highlighting the imperative of collecting sex- and age-disaggregated data (SADD) more consistently.
This initiative was an innovative pilot project between FAO, WFP and CARE. The aim of the collaboration was to foster multilevel partnerships and strengthen gender analysis for the food security sector in crisis contexts. The initiative brought together technical experts in food security, nutrition and livelihoods across the agencies involved, as well as gender specialists to explore, develop and test tools, methods and approaches. The regional focus of the study identified key themes, challenges and norms across multiple contexts in the Arab region, while highlighting specific findings for Iraq and the Sudan. While sources have varying regional definitions for the Arab region, for the purpose of this review, the denomination includes the countries under the FAO Near East and North Africa region, the WFP Middle East and North Africa region, and the CARi Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The findings and successes of this initiative are intended to strengthen the relationship between gender and food security actors
regionally, and in particular within Iraq and the Sudan, while increasing the availability and transparency of gender analysis in the sphere of food security. Read More...
This initiative was an innovative pilot project between FAO, WFP and CARE. The aim of the collaboration was to foster multilevel partnerships and strengthen gender analysis for the food security sector in crisis contexts. The initiative brought together technical experts in food security, nutrition and livelihoods across the agencies involved, as well as gender specialists to explore, develop and test tools, methods and approaches. The regional focus of the study identified key themes, challenges and norms across multiple contexts in the Arab region, while highlighting specific findings for Iraq and the Sudan. While sources have varying regional definitions for the Arab region, for the purpose of this review, the denomination includes the countries under the FAO Near East and North Africa region, the WFP Middle East and North Africa region, and the CARi Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The findings and successes of this initiative are intended to strengthen the relationship between gender and food security actors
regionally, and in particular within Iraq and the Sudan, while increasing the availability and transparency of gender analysis in the sphere of food security. Read More...
CARE Rapid Gender Analysis Um Rakuba Camp and Tunaydbah Settlement, Eastern Sudan April 2021
Since 9 November 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean asylum seekers have been arriving in Eastern Sudan, fleeing a military escalation in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. Eastern Sudan is facing multiple challenges including high levels of food insecurity, flood recovery, increased militarisation on the Sudan and Ethiopia border, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of mitigation and containment measures. As of 17th April (latest situation report), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Government’s Commissioner for Refugees (COR) registered 62,850 individuals who have crossed the border into Eastern Sudan. It is estimated that 36% of the arrivals are female and 64% are male. Further estimations show that 27% of the arrivals are children (0-17years); out of which 8% are below 5 years. Elderly (+60years) comprise 4% and Adults (18-59 years) 69% of the arrivals. Of those who arrived, data as of January 2021, showed 15,056 are women and girls of reproductive age and 1,365 currently pregnant women. Primary data collection, through FGDs, KIIs and Individual Stories, took place between 16-18th February 2021, in Um Rakuba camp and Tunaydbah settlement.
RGA objectives were to:
• Better understand, the main needs, priorities and coping strategies of women, men, girls and boys,
as well as at-risk groups in Um Rakuba camp and Tunaydbah settlement
• Identify how CARE and the wider humanitarian community can adapt and design targeted services
and assistance to meet these needs, ensuring we do no harm. Read More...
RGA objectives were to:
• Better understand, the main needs, priorities and coping strategies of women, men, girls and boys,
as well as at-risk groups in Um Rakuba camp and Tunaydbah settlement
• Identify how CARE and the wider humanitarian community can adapt and design targeted services
and assistance to meet these needs, ensuring we do no harm. Read More...
Final Evaluation Report: Gender-sensitive WASH, Nutrition and Health Support to vulnerable communities in South and East Darfur
CARE has been implementing the WASH ,Health and Nutrition project from which aims to provide lifesaving and integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition Services to 174,504 individuals (87,077 males and 87,427 females) in East Darfur and South Darfur through the GAC-funded 2019-2021 project (“the GAC project”).The program aimed to benefit refugees in camp and out of camp settings, out of camp IDPs and host communities by increasing access to safe water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene supplies, improving access to basic curative and preventive primary health care, and increased access to nutrition assistance for children under five and pregnant and lactating women (PLWs). End line evaluation was conducted for the ended project.
Water: from the survey result it shows that 85.8% responded that their primary source of water is safe throughout the year, compared to the baseline survey which shows that 66% of the respondents still use unsafe drinking water sources.
Sanitary practices: 73.9% of survey participants indicated that they use family toilets for defecation, where in the base line survey show that 34% of the respondents having access to adequate sanitation.
Practice Of Hand Washing: 60.9 % of interviewees (Female: 61.0%, Male: 60.8%) know three critical moments, where in base line survey 65% of the respondents being able to mention at least 3 critical times to perform hand washing.
WASH satisfaction: The end line survey for HHs reported that with WASH regarding relevance, timely and accountability, (75.3%)- (70.6% f,77.9%m) reported that it was relevant
Nutrition: 72.9%% of respondents were satisfied with the nutrition assistance provided.
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Water: from the survey result it shows that 85.8% responded that their primary source of water is safe throughout the year, compared to the baseline survey which shows that 66% of the respondents still use unsafe drinking water sources.
Sanitary practices: 73.9% of survey participants indicated that they use family toilets for defecation, where in the base line survey show that 34% of the respondents having access to adequate sanitation.
Practice Of Hand Washing: 60.9 % of interviewees (Female: 61.0%, Male: 60.8%) know three critical moments, where in base line survey 65% of the respondents being able to mention at least 3 critical times to perform hand washing.
WASH satisfaction: The end line survey for HHs reported that with WASH regarding relevance, timely and accountability, (75.3%)- (70.6% f,77.9%m) reported that it was relevant
Nutrition: 72.9%% of respondents were satisfied with the nutrition assistance provided.
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