In the Jebel Marra region of Sudan, life continues amidst the devastating backdrop of a civil war that has displaced millions. Women and children in this area often travel with donkeys to tend to fields where crops like peanuts, oranges, apples, and strawberries are grown. Despite having fertile soil and a Mediterranean-like climate, the region faces significant challenges in distributing its produce due to ongoing conflict.
According to the United Nations, nearly 25 million people across Sudan are grappling with severe food shortages, with over 600,000 experiencing famine conditions. However, in Jebel Marra, the issue is not with food production but rather with the transportation and sale of the crops. A local vendor, Hafiz Ali, noted that many fruits become unsellable due to inability to reach markets, indicating a critical logistical problem exacerbated by insecurity and poor road conditions.
Jebel Marra remains the last territory controlled by the Sudan Liberation Army – Abdulwahid (SLA-AW), which has maintained a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict. This isolation, with major roads blocked by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, has hindered farmers from accessing national markets located far away. Tawila, a nearby makeshift market, is struggling with oversupply, leading to plummeting prices.
While some trade is possible, it is fraught with danger due to armed checkpoints and the threat of robbery. In the SLA-AW-controlled Nertiti, local markets operate on a limited basis, but safety remains a concern for traders and consumers alike. Internally displaced individuals from war-torn areas often seek refuge in schools and public institutions, straining an already fragile local economy.
In conclusion, the Jebel Marra region exemplifies a unique dynamic of relative agricultural abundance juxtaposed against the realities of war, as local populations navigate immense challenges just to survive.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20enql8027o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss