Delivering agricultural support in Sudan through the SIPRA Hotline

Since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has disrupted agricultural systems, leaving smallholder farmers without access to extension services and timely advice. Missing key moments in the farming cycle can mean losing an entire harvest. To continue supporting farmers, ZOA and partners introduced the SIPRA Hotline: a toll-free, voice-based service providing practical agricultural guidance via basic mobile phones.

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2 April 2026

Accessible support, even in crisis

Launched in 2025 as part of the Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships for Smallholders in Rainfed Areas (SIPRA) programme, the hotline delivers pre-recorded messages in Sudanese Arabic, tailored to local crops and aligned with the agricultural cycle, from land preparation to harvest. Farmers can navigate the system using simple voice menus and leave questions through a feedback function, creating a two-way communication channel.

Because the service requires no internet, smartphone or literacy, it remains accessible even in remote and conflict-affected areas.

High demand and continued use

Between May and December 2025, the hotline received over 38,000 calls from more than 13,700 unique users. Farmers not only used the service once, but returned throughout the season, seeking guidance at key moments in the farming cycle. This repeated use shows that the hotline responds to real, ongoing needs, providing timely information when it matters most.

Lessons and potential for scale

The project shows that technology alone is not enough. Strong community engagement is essential to build trust and encourage use, while feedback from farmers highlights a clear demand for more interactive, two-way support. At the same time, reaching women requires targeted approaches, as barriers to access remain higher in conflict settings.

By combining simple, voice-based technology with local partnerships and outreach, the SIPRA Hotline offers a scalable approach to maintaining essential agricultural support in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Read the full publication below for more insights and results.