September 12, 2026 Report – Darfur24
“We are not doing well due to security tensions; as farmers, we cannot protect even a single ear of corn.” With these words, a farmer from the Darfur region describes the reality faced by farmers amidst the encroachments and violence linked to the conflict between herders and farmers—a situation that persists even as reconciliation conferences and agreements between the two sides are repeatedly held.
The ongoing security tensions raise questions about the ability of these reconciliation conferences to address the root causes of the conflict, implement agreed-upon terms, and rebuild trust among local communities—ultimately establishing sustainable peaceful coexistence—after years of conflict that have weighed heavily on the people of Darfur. *
Deep-Rooted Customs and Traditions
Al-Rashid Allah-Jabu, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture in Central Darfur State, tells Darfur24 that there are deep-rooted regional traditions and customs for resolving conflicts between herders and farmers through Native Administrations mechanism.
Al-Rashid notes that local authorities are paying close attention to the current agricultural season, evidenced by the allocation of combat vehicles to protect the harvest. He considers the outbreak of tribal conflict in Darfur unlikely, stating that those who previously funded, triggered and fueled such conflicts no longer have the capacity to do so.
He believes that the conflict between herders and farmers in Darfur could be resolved if the Central Darfur State model were implemented.
He points out that the “Fatna Kar” conference, recently held in the Central Darfur State, concluded with recommendations that farmers must not block seasonal migratory routes and paths, while herders must commit to not encroach on farms. The conference also emphasized the importance of effective guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources to raise awareness among herders.
Exploitation of Herders by Governments
Al-Rashid states that successive Sudanese governments—prior to the Juba Agreement—exploited herders as fighters in an attempt to sow discord between herders and farmers. This reached a point where herders and farmers were defined based on ethnic and tribal affiliations in Darfur.
According to Al-Rashid, despite progress and development, land ownership in Darfur remains vested in the tribes.
He notes that agreements throughout Sudan’s history address land ownership, establishing that land is not state-owned but historically belongs to the tribes—while remaining open for general use and not preventing national institutions from utilizing it.
Fears of an Agricultural Season Failure
Allah Jabo expressed concerns about the possibility of this year’s agricultural season failing—a scenario that could leave the country increasingly reliant on aid from organizations.
However, he noted that this gap could be bridged—provided there is sufficient commitment—by cultivating wheat during the winter season, following the proven success of this practice in Central Darfur. Speaking to Darfur24, Al-Nour Ahmed, an agricultural specialist, observes that the conflict between herders and farmers has deep historical roots; it was traditionally managed through the Native Administration system and previously had negligible impact.
However, according to Al-Nour, the conflict escalated significantly with the outbreak of the war in April 2023. It entered a new phase driven by climate change—specifically drought and desertification—which forced herders to migrate southward from northern areas of Darfur, thereby increasing the likelihood of friction between herders and farmers.
Politicization of the Native Administration
Al-Nour points out that the conflict has been exacerbated by the politicization and arming of the Native Administration by the government as a means to combat armed movements in Darfur.
He adds that the conflict between herders and farmers has taken on ethnic and political dimensions, becoming a dispute enforced by the gun.
He further explains that the unregulated expansion of agriculture and the introduction of machinery into farming operations—alongside the allocation of vast tracts of land at the expense of grazing areas—have significantly contributed to worsening disputes between the two groups.
Al-Nour believes that the incidents following the April 15 war altered the nature of the conflict; it is no longer merely a dispute between an individual herder and a farmer but has evolved into a situation of intense military polarization that directly affects both groups.
He draws attention to fundamental issues that are often overlooked in discussions—despite being, in his view, the primary causes of friction between herders and farmers—most notably the mounting pressure on land resources resulting from population growth and its associated needs.
Al-Nour proposes that sound planning should focus on settling nomadic populations and establishing joint projects that bring herders and farmers together.
He considers measures such as opening seasonal migration routes and corridors, forming agricultural season committees, and monitoring climate change to be… …alongside the challenges regarding the timing of the first rains—one of the key indicators that determines success of the agricultural season.
Halting Agricultural Financing:
Meanwhile, a peasant told Darfur24 that farmers in Darfur are facing mounting challenges involving herders.
He notes that herders often show little regard for the crops planted in the fields, viewing them merely as weeds—a mindset that exacerbates friction between the two groups.
He adds that agriculturists in Darfur lack access to agricultural financing and face low market prices for their crops, further straining the agricultural process.
While reconciliation conferences between herders and farmers are frequently held, the ability to translate these agreements from recommendations into action—according to the report—hinges on several factors such as opening seasonal migration routes for herders, protecting farmland and pastures, resolving land ownership disputes, strengthening the role of native administrations, and providing agricultural loans.