Droughts and Deserts
Year after year of drought followed
by crop failure has meant disaster for the people of North Kordofan, Sudan.
People have been forced to abandon their villages in search of food and
work in towns.
The major drought in 1983 drove many to leave for the sprawling suburbs around El Obeid and other towns. Meanwhile, other people migrated into the area, fleeing the conflict in South Kordofan State. The majority of families subsist on very low incomes, and food shortages have been a part of life since 1996.
Aid Partnership
Islamic Relief's Sudan office has teamed up with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help the people of North Kordofan. Starting in July, emergency food aid will be distributed to over 43,000 drought-affected people.
Working in partnership with the communities, Islamic Relief will set up Food Distribution Committees in each village, ensuring that the food reaches those most in need. The aid will also help stabilise rising cereal prices in the region, and reduce migration into towns.
Food for All
Emergency food rations contain cereal, pulses, cooking oil, CSB (corn soya blend) and salt -- just the basics needed for survival. Over a period of two months the project will oversee the distribution of 200 metric tonnes of foodstuffs.
The food aid will enable farmers to remain in their villages and cultivate their fields during the rainy season. This is critical to ensure that there is a healthy harvest around December time.