South Sudan – Intec Transformation Project

Agriculture for Refugees

Situation

Millions of Sudanese people have fled to neighbouring countries due to the terrible civil war. Around 160,000 of them now live in four large camps in the remote northeast of South Sudan. The Intec Transformation agricultural project provides families with land, seeds, and tools enabling them to grow their own food. In total, over a million Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees have crossed the border into South Sudan. However, South Sudan, is currently the poorest country in the world and is unable to support them. Aid from the United Nations is steadily declining due to other wars. Consequently hunger and malnutrition are widespread.

The Intec Transformation agricultural project

Many of the refugees come from villages in their homeland where agriculture was the main source of income. However, in the refugee camps, they lack the land, tools, and seeds required for farming. After this need was recognised, the Intec Transformation project was launched in 2016, initially involving 200 families.

Since then, the number of participating families has grown to between 1,500 and 2,000. Intec collaborates with local tribal leaders, who select experienced farmers to participate. The project provides them with sufficient seeds (sorghum, corn, and peanuts) and tools. At the end of each season, the farmers give return a small portion of their harvest. This is stored for the next season.

New hope in the life of Aisha*

Aisha is a single mother to several children from a small tribe on the Blue Nile. In 2011 her village was bombed and she was forced to flee to South Sudan with her family. She works hard, regularly travelling long distances to collect heavy firewood for cooking. She carries it on her shoulders using a wooden yoke.

Aisha has been involved in Intec's agricultural project for many years. Despite the difficulties she faces, she remains cheerful and dignified.

The support she receives is invaluable, enabling her to feed her children. The work of our partners in South Sudan is vital for people like Aisha. However, they need more support to continue and expand their work. Can you help?

*Name changed

Christian Hartmann-Fässler

Member of the Board

"I believe that individualized development projects, which respond to the needs of individuals or small groups, serve those in need better in the long term and ultimately provide a better livelihood for all."

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