Al-Daein, September 03 (Darfur24)
Low rainfall and prolonged dry spells have damaged farms and disrupted grazing in several parts of East Darfur State, raising concerns over agricultural losses, food prices and competition for water and pasture.
Local sources told Darfur24 that farms in Buwat al-Khail, Jiqin and Tayba in Bahr al-Arab locality were damaged or burned following poor rainfall and extended drought.
Farmer Ahmed Abdul Rahman said the Riyadh, Al-Asl and Al-Madkouk areas were particularly affected by a dry spell lasting more than a month, causing crops to wither and threatening the agricultural season.
Similar damage was reported in Al-Latbaq and Shaq Al-Taka areas of Abu Jabra locality.
Poor rainfall has also disrupted the movement of herders, preventing many from completing their usual migration toward northern grazing areas known as “Al-Marahil.”
Sources said large numbers of livestock have instead concentrated in Yassin, Asalaya, Adila and Bahr al-Arab localities, increasing pressure on already limited pastures and water sources.
Farmers and herders warned that continued shortages could intensify competition over grazing areas and water, potentially increasing tensions between the two groups. They called on authorities to regulate grazing and provide urgent support.
Farmers also urged the government and humanitarian organizations to provide agricultural inputs and other assistance to help mitigate the drought’s impact.
The situation comes as Sudan faces a severe food crisis, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, where conflict, displacement and disruptions to agricultural production have further weakened food security.
Humanitarian agencies estimate that 19.1 million people in Sudan could face acute food insecurity in 2026, with malnutrition expected to worsen among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women.