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Sudan: distribution of seed and tools for 9,000 farmers in
South Darfur
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The distribution targeted the most vulnerable farmers and agro-pastoralists who cannot afford to buy seed and tools for the vegetable-growing season.
The 1.2 metric tonnes of watermelon, tomato, okra, spinach, carrot, cucumber and onion seed that were given out, in addition to hoes and rakes, should enable those receiving the aid to resume their farming activities.
Eventually, they will not only be able to sustain their livelihood, but also to create income-generating activities and benefit from a more nourishing daily diet.
"Each family will be able to plant up to one faddan (4,000 square metres)," explained Jan Kannanthodath, an ICRC delegate in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, who specializes in economic security.
"Families will be able to generate cash by selling some of their produce." Last year, the ICRC gave seed and tools to 43,000 families in Darfur before the start of the rainy season to help them maintain their traditional livelihood.
The ICRC is carrying out an even bigger operation in 2009 that includes other areas in South Darfur such as Gereida and Bulbul.
The main aim of the ICRC in the Nyala area is to enable people to sustain their livelihood by renovating and maintaining water-supply systems, promoting hygiene and supporting medical services.
The ICRC's field surgical team, based in Nyala, can operate on people injured in fighting anywhere in the country.
The ICRC also works closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent to spread awareness of its work, restore links between families separated by the conflict, and implement joint programmes.
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization.
Its sole aim is to protect and assist people adversely affected by armed conflict.
On the basis of its mandate under international humanitarian law, the ICRC helps the wounded and sick, those no longer participating in fighting, and civilian conflict victims.
For further information, please contact:
Saleh Dabbakeh, ICRC Khartoum, tel: +249 1 83 476 464 or +249 91 213 77 64
See also ICRC media contacts
This article on www.icrc.org
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
