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Vluchtelingen bij de Sudanese grens

We are here in Sudan

Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Since civil war erupted in April 2023, over 7.7 million people have been displaced within the country – the largest internal displacement crisis in history. Another 4.1 million Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, 24.6 million people are facing acute food insecurity. In the midst of this overwhelming need, humanitarian efforts are falling short due to critical underfunding.

ZOA remains committed to standing alongside the people of Sudan, working to alleviate suffering, support recovery and help restore hope.

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We are here for the people of Sudan

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focus on recovery

Why work in Sudan?

ZOA is deeply committed to tackling the urgent and complex humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where the devastating interplay of climate change and conflict fuels escalating poverty and widespread displacement. The country's predominantly arid landscape is increasingly ravaged by erratic rainfall, desertification, and soil degradation, leading to a drastic decline in agricultural productivity and intensifying resource-based conflicts.

In response to this dire situation, ZOA has strategically positioned its operations across the eastern and western regions of Sudan, specifically in Gedaref, Kassala, North, East, and South Darfur States. Our initiatives are focused on delivering essential relief support to the most vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, returnees, and host communities. By enhancing access to food security and livelihoods (FSL), as well as vital water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, education, and social cohesion, we aim to empower communities at risk.

Through these critical interventions, ZOA is determined to mitigate the impacts of conflict and climate-induced displacement, working tirelessly to promote resilience and stability in the affected regions. Together, we can restore hope and build a more sustainable future for those in need.

Integrated approach

ZOA  works in Sudan with a dual recovery-emergency mandate, responding flexibly when needed. Based on operational experience, an assessment of key drivers of conflict and expected oncoming pressures (climatic, conflict over resources, changing political context), ZOA has operationalized an integrated approach across four pillars:

 

  • Food systems: We link humanitarian aid, development, and peacebuilding through a food systems approach that promotes climate-smart farming and local ownership to strengthen food security. Through these integrated strategies, we pave the way for lasting peace and stability in affected regions.

  • Sustainable livelihood enhancement: We support smallholder farmers by building producer networks, improving market access, and engaging the private sector for lasting income opportunities.

  • Conflict resolution: We strengthen local structures for dialogue and mediation to address conflict peacefully and promote social cohesion.

  • Water resource management: Through integrated water resource management, we ensure fair and sustainable access to water for households, farming, and other uses.

  • Inclusivity: Gender, disability, and social inclusion are embedded across our programmes to ensure no one is left behind.

Working in consortia

In Sudan, ZOA spearheads two significant consortia: 

  • We are Able! programme: This project focusses on lobby and advocacy to strengthen the food security for people with disabilities in Gedaref State and on the national level. We do this through strengthening organisations and policy changes to include people with disabilities. Our partners in this endeavour include the Africa Disability Forum, ADD, VNG International, and The Hague Academy. For more information see the We Are Able! website.  

  • Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rainfed Areas (SIPRA) program: Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SIPRA is led by ZOA in partnership with World Relief International, SOS Sahel, WSER, and MetaMeta. The programme is active in six Sudanese states. It empowers smallholders (especially women and youth) as entrepreneurs and change agents by improving food and nutrition security, promoting inclusive growth, engaging the private sector, and strengthening local support systems for a resilient food system.

Furthermore, ZOA is part of the DRA Consortium in Sudan, led by Plan International and including SOS Children’s Villages and IRC, delivering urgent relief and early recovery in WASH, food security, cash assistance, and education. We also partner in a consortium led by Alight (with World Vision, NIDO, JMCO, and AMVO) in South and East Darfur, supporting farmers during the planting season with funding from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF-OCHA).

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Working together

Donors and partners

In Sudan, ZOA has a variety of institutional donors including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs  , Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Dutch Relief Alliance, European Union, GIZ,  UNHCR, UN OCHA, and Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Additionally, the work in Sudan is supported by various private donors and Foundations. We work in close cooperation with SOS Sahel, NAHA, Alsawaid Alkhadra Organization (AAO), Building Resilience Development Organization (BRDO), Green Peace Association (GPA), Hope and Friendship for Development Organization (HOPE)   and a number of other national partners including association of persons with disability.