Khartoum, Sudan — A Mercy Corps rapid assessment has shed light on the struggling agricultural and agro-processing sectors in Darfur, revealing a complex web of challenges stemming from economic isolation and supply chain disruptions.
The analysis focuses on South, Central, East, and West Darfur, regions that have experienced relative stability following the civil war’s early stages, yet remain economically isolated from the SAF-controlled areas of Khartoum and Eastern Sudan. Despite the availability of agricultural inputs across Darfur, prices are soaring, prompting farmers to reduce their cultivated areas.
The supply chains for these inputs are now largely controlled by independent traders, who operate on an order — to-source basis. This approach is limited by security risks and a lack of credit, which hinders storage and prepositioning.
The collapse of medium and large — scale agro-processing facilities has further exacerbated the situation.
In their place, small — scale oil pressing and milling operations are insufficient to meet market demand, leading to increased reliance on imported processed goods and the export of raw commodities.
A lack of financial services and liquidity shortages are identified as key barriers to the recovery of agriculture and agro — processing in the region.
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted support to revitalize these sectors and foster economic resilience in Darfur.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Mercy Corps
