The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has partnered with Silatech, an international development organization, to create job opportunities for over 30,000 youth in conflict-affected areas of Sudan. The agreement, signed by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu and Silatech CEO Hassan Ali Al Mulla, will provide USD 5 million to support food security and youth employment in Sudan. With over half of Sudan’s population experiencing high levels of food insecurity and an unemployment rate of 17.1 percent, this project aims to address these challenges by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the youth population.
Sudan faces severe food security challenges due to ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and natural disasters. The project, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) through Silatech, will focus on the Agriculture and Livelihoods Support for Vulnerable Populations in Sudan project. This initiative aims to improve livelihoods in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Gezira State, where almost 30% of the population suffers from acute food insecurity. By delivering agricultural inputs and livestock inputs, as well as providing training on good production practices, the project seeks to enhance production efficiency and create long-term solutions for sustainable job opportunities in agriculture.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu expressed the importance of empowering youth and women in Sudan’s agricultural sector to combat food insecurity and promote economic resilience. By partnering with Silatech, the project aims to create pathways for sustainable livelihoods for the next generation. Silatech CEO Hassan Ali Al Mulla highlighted the impact of investing in youth employment and agriculture, not only addressing the food security crisis but also fostering economic resilience in vulnerable communities. The collaboration between FAO and Silatech aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth and affected communities in Sudan.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Sudan’s economy, employing a large portion of the population, particularly women. With conflicts and insecurity affecting agricultural productivity, this project seeks to enhance food security and create sustainable job opportunities for Sudanese youth, especially in rural areas like Gezira state. By rehabilitating irrigation systems, providing modern agricultural inputs, and improving on-farm water management, the project aims to benefit over 1.7 million people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities.
FAO will provide technical and logistical support in collaboration with local partners to ensure the success of the 18-month project in Sudan. The goal is to achieve sustainable impact on the lives of youth and affected communities by increasing agricultural productivity and creating job opportunities in the agriculture sector. By empowering youth and women in agriculture, the project aims to combat food insecurity, promote economic resilience, and improve livelihoods in conflict-affected areas of Sudan.
