Joint program expected to alleviate poverty in Sudan

China, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, on Wednesday launched a poverty alleviation project in Sudan's Red Sea State, which has one of the highest rates of severe malnutrition globally and has long been plagued by underdevelopment and poverty.

Dubbed "Poverty Alleviation and Agriculture Assistance in Red Sea State" and funded by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the project aims to reduce poverty in selected villages and communities in the state.

This will be achieved by promoting agriculture, livestock and fisheries production, assisting agriculture, increasing food supply, and addressing immediate problems by providing seeds, small-scale agricultural machinery and fishing gear to smallholder farmers, pastoralists and fishermen, according to an FAO statement.

With an expected $2 million donation, the project is expected to benefit 40,000 people directly and 360,000 people indirectly.

The project will provide farmers with quality seeds and tools as well as agronomic training to improve skills and increase the output of food and vegetables to meet the local food supply.

Selected herders will also receive feed and veterinary services to increase the supply of meat and milk, to meet the needs of improved nutritional status.

The project was launched amid conflict in Sudan, which started in April 2023, causing serious humanitarian consequences in the country.

Strong example

The FAO said the initiative is a strong example of how solidarity among countries of the Global South can bring real and lasting impact to communities in need.

"The FAO deeply recognizes the severe challenges Sudan is facing — conflict, food insecurity, and climate shocks. Yet, despite these hardships, the cooperation and resolve shown by Sudanese institutions to work toward sustainable solutions is truly commendable," the UN agency said.

"It is precisely in these contexts that South-South and Triangular Cooperation, or SSTC, becomes even more important. Through SSTC, we can help mobilize not only financial support, but also technical expertise and innovative solutions drawn from across the Global South."

The FAO said China's consistent support to Sudan — in agriculture, infrastructure, and human capacity building — has been crucial, especially during this difficult time.

edithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn