24 February 2012: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Sudan have signed a grant agreement for $10.7 million to improve food security and smallholder production through investment in improved seed varieties.

The project is based on the recognition of the vulnerability of Sudanese farms to drought and the fact that the country includes large areas of arid zones. It aims to improve soil and water conservation techniques and use improved varieties of seeds that are resistant to drought. The project’s expected outcomes include increased: food security; incomes; and resilience to environmental shocks, such as droughts, which are expected to increase due to the impacts of climate change.

The project will be co-financed with the Government of Sudan and will promote public-private partnerships in the supply and production of seeds. It is expected to benefit over 100,000 farmers and 1,280 seed growers across North Kordofan and South Kordofan. The project will target young farmers in particular. [IFAD Press Release]