Communities in East Sudan have been introduced to poultry farming and educated on the nutritional benefits of eggs which are not traditionally consumed in this region
Some of the eggs are used to make breakfast for children at a nearby World Food Programme-supported school and any surplus is sold, with profits ploughed back into the farm.
After a conflict broke out in 1994 between the East Sudan Front and the Sudanese Government, many families were forced to flee their villages. The signing of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement in 2006 brought an end to conflict but not to hunger. Today, Tahadai Osis village is one of the most food-insecure places in eastern Sudan where more than 65% of children are affected by stunting (impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition).
Mohammed and his wife Madina, who had also fled from his village Tahadai Osis, but returned in 2014, have started their own poultry farm which enables them to improve the diets of their three daughters, including the one who suffered from malnutrition before the family sought help at a WFP-supported clinic.
“I cook the eggs for my daughters who really like them. We sell any extra eggs which enable us to buy other basic necessities,” said Madina.
Children under the age of five years, pregnant and breastfeeding women are also screened for malnutrition at a WFP-supported clinic in Tahadai Osis. Those affected are provided with nutritional supplements that are packed with vitamins and minerals and rich in protein.
Community volunteers also go door-to-door educating families on the importance of a healthy diet and hygiene measures which help to prevent malnutrition.
“Volunteers taught me about the importance of screening my children for malnutrition and how to prevent it. I am now more aware of my family’s health and nutrition needs,” added Madina.
Improving the food security of families like Mohammed’s, has contributed to peace and stability in the region and is encouraging others who fled conflict to return to their villages.
“WFP has helped us to establish a foundation for our community to thrive,” said Karrar, a poultry-keeper from the village. “Access to clean water supports our livelihood activities and we have learnt how to rear chickens and to grow a variety of vegetables which has improved our diets.”
WFP’s activities in Tahadai Osis village are part of a project called ‘Improving nutrition and reducing stunting in eastern Sudan through an integrated nutrition and food security approach’. This work has been possible, thanks to generous contributions from the European Union and the work of WFP’s implementing partner Sudan Vision.
