Conflict over natural resources is a major flashpoint that could plunge Southern Sudan back into the chaos that its people endured for more than 20 years. With weapons so readily available, disputes over grazing rights and water access can turn violent quickly. Those without other means to support their families feel they have no choice but to fight.
International Relief & Development (IRD) is trying to diffuse tensions in Warrap and Upper Nile states by creating economic alternatives. With support from the Sudan Recovery Fund, managed by the United Nations Development Program, IRD’s experts are working with communities to diversify crop production, promote small businesses, and also to increase access to water and sanitation.

Although land in Warrap and Upper Nile is suitable for the cultivation of a wide range of crops, farmers concentrate much of their efforts on sorghum and maize. Cash crop production is limited yet has considerable potential. IRD is working with respective county agriculture departments to identify regions in which to help local farmers establish cooperative, demonstration gardens that will showcase a variety of crops and growing techniques. In order to insure that food is available well after the harvest, IRD is training farmers in food preservation so they can produces items like sun-dried tomatoes, salsas, fruit leathers, and smoked and dried fish that can be eaten or sold. In conjunction with community agriculture management groups, IRD is establishing livestock cooperatives, which will receive training on animal health, veterinary services, livestock feed options, livestock water supply, and marketing of livestock products.

IRD is also repairing and constructing boreholes with hand-pumps to make clean water more readily available. A few communities will receive “play pumps,” which use children’s play equipment such as a merry-go-round or see-saw/teeter-totter to pump water into a tank, which can then be accessed by the community. In addition, institutional, multi-toilet public latrine sites with hand-washing stations are being constructed for schools, health centers, and markets.
Dozens of communities in these impoverished states will benefit from these programs.

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