Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Chad + 1 more

In Eastern Chad, potatoes grow in the heart of the desert

OURE CASSONI [ACTED News] -- Beneficiaries from the farming zone near the Oure Cassoni Sudanese refugee camp picked their first potatoes on 8 March.

Though they are usually grown in southern Chad, potatoes were introduced to the camp late 2010.

Beyond the benefits of organic food and the slightly unusual idea of growing potatoes in the middle of the desert, the initiative means another appreciable income generating activity for the first 13 beneficiaries, who were each able to sell some of their harvest. Their success should benefit to others, as other manioc, sweet potato, yam, oil palm and date palm projects are under study.

Project supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).