In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, this project adopts an integrated area-based approach to address immediate needs while building long-term resilience. The intervention focuses on restoring productive livelihoods through climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries, vocational skills, micro-enterprises, and cash assistance.
The project also strengthens community structures through the establishment and training of Community Management Committees (CMCs) and peacebuilding mechanisms to reduce tensions between IDPs and host communities. Renewable energy solutions will improve access to water and basic services while reducing environmental pressure.
Special emphasis is placed on women-headed households, youth employment, protection risk reduction, and economic empowerment. By enhancing income generation, improving access to services, and strengthening community governance, the project contributes to food security, social cohesion, and sustainable recovery.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to catastrophic loss of life, destruction of livelihoods, and the displacement of millions, both internally and externally. Since the conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Sudan has faced one of the fastest unfolding humanitarian crises globally. According to the 2024 revised Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), approximately 25 million people now require humanitarian assistance, with over 14 million of these being children. The situation is particularly dire with regards to food insecurity. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports indicate that approximately 26.6 million people across Sudan are currently facing acute food insecurity. Among them, nearly 755,000 people are already experiencing famine conditions (IPC Phase 5), with parts of the country, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan regions, being the hardest hit. This severe food insecurity is driven by the ongoing conflict, mass displacement, skyrocketing food prices, diminished productive capacities, high unemployment, and the increasing strain on basic services, all of which have weakened household economies for both IDPs and host communities.
The influx of IDPs into already vulnerable communities has exacerbated these challenges, placing immense pressure on scarce resources and basic services, and threatening the resilience of these communities. As of 10 December 2024, over 11,519,598 million people have been displaced internally, with 8.78 million displaced since April 2023. The East Sudan including Gadarif state have become critical destinations for these IDPs, receiving about 1.793 million people during the period (1,159,414 in Gadarif only) as of 20 August 2024. These states were already facing significant challenges due to underdevelopment, high poverty levels, and limited access to essential services, compounded by a protracted refugee crisis and recurring natural disasters.
In response to this dire situation, SDO is scaling up its existing work in these affected areas, using an integrated, area-based approach tailored to the specific context of the affected region. This project will not only address the immediate needs of vulnerable households and communities but also build their capacity to withstand future shocks and stresses. In collaboration with international partners, plays a critical role in these efforts, ensuring a coordinated response that maximizes impact and promotes sustainable recovery and development in Sudan.
Problem Analysis:
Overall Objective
To enhance economic resilience and food security for internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities by improving income generation and productive capacity.
4. Expected Results
Outcome 1
Improved livelihoods, income levels, and food security for 2,500 targeted beneficiaries.
Outputs
Output 1.1: Support for Women and Youth Micro-Enterprises
- Targeting 150 beneficiaries
- Provision of small grants for income-generating activities
- Training in business management and financial literacy
- Technical follow-up to ensure
sustainability
Location: North Darfur and Khartoum
Output 1.2: Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA)
- Provision of cash assistance to the most vulnerable conflict-affected women
- Support for basic household needs and reduction of negative coping mechanisms
- Post-distribution monitoring
Output 1.3: Fisheries Livelihood Support – Gedaref State
- Targeting affected fishers in Al-Mafaza, Fal Al-Nahl, and Al-Rahad Provision of:
- Fishing nets, lines, and hooks
- Boats and engines
- Fish preservation and processing equipment
- Training on:
- Fish handling, drying, and preservation
- Value addition
- Marketing and market linkages
Output 1.4: Agricultural Livelihood Support
- Facilitating access to agricultural land
- Distribution of improved seeds (sesame, groundnuts, sorghum)
- Distribution of agricultural tools
- Formation of producer groups
- Distribution of small livestock (65 goats per association)
- Training on:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Sustainable farming practices
- Animal husbandry
Output 1.5: Establishment of a Women’s Tailoring Workshop – Khartoum
- Provision of sewing machines and tailoring equipment
- Practical training in tailoring and garment production
- Training in small business management
- Market linkage support
Output 1.6: Vocational and Technical Training for Young Women – Khartoum
- Training for 90 young women in:
- Mobile phone maintenance
- Photography
- Website design
- Digital marketing
- Basic digital literacy training
- Post-training coaching and employment/self-employment support
Overall Objective
To enhance economic resilience and food security for internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities by improving income generation and productive capacity.
4. Expected Results
Outcome 1
Improved livelihoods, income levels, and food security for 2,500 targeted beneficiaries.
Outputs
Output 1.1: Support for Women and Youth Micro-Enterprises
- Targeting 150 beneficiaries
- Provision of small grants for income-generating activities
- Training in business management and financial literacy
- Technical follow-up to ensure
sustainability
Location: North Darfur and Khartoum
Output 1.2: Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA)
- Provision of cash assistance to the most vulnerable conflict-affected women
- Support for basic household needs and reduction of negative coping mechanisms
- Post-distribution monitoring
Output 1.3: Fisheries Livelihood Support – Gedaref State
- Targeting affected fishers in Al-Mafaza, Fal Al-Nahl, and Al-Rahad Provision of:
- Fishing nets, lines, and hooks
- Boats and engines
- Fish preservation and processing equipment
- Training on:
- Fish handling, drying, and preservation
- Value addition
- Marketing and market linkages
Output 1.4: Agricultural Livelihood Support
- Facilitating access to agricultural land
- Distribution of improved seeds (sesame, groundnuts, sorghum)
- Distribution of agricultural tools
- Formation of producer groups
- Distribution of small livestock (65 goats per association)
- Training on:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Sustainable farming practices
- Animal husbandry
Output 1.5: Establishment of a Women’s Tailoring Workshop – Khartoum
- Provision of sewing machines and tailoring equipment
- Practical training in tailoring and garment production
- Training in small business management
- Market linkage support
Output 1.6: Vocational and Technical Training for Young Women – Khartoum
- Training for 90 young women in:
- Mobile phone maintenance
- Photography
- Website design
- Digital marketing
- Basic digital literacy training
- Post-training coaching and employment/self-employment support
5. Implementation Approach
The project adopts an integrated livelihoods approach that combines:
- Provision of productive assets
- Capacity building and skills development
- Support to micro-enterprises
- Cash assistance for the most vulnerable households
The intervention prioritizes the economic empowerment of women and youth, strengthens self-reliance, and enhances the capacity of households to withstand economic and food security shocks, while ensuring protection principles and gender equality.
6. Key Indicators
- Number of beneficiaries reached through livelihood activities: 2,500
- Number of micro-enterprises supported: 150
- Number of beneficiaries receiving vocational training: 90
- Percentage of beneficiaries reporting increased income: 60%
- Percentage of households with improved food security: 70%
- Women’s participation rate: at least 60%