Sudan War Devastates Agriculture and Pastoralism

Sudan War Devastates Agriculture and Pastoralism

allafrica.com

Sudan War Devastates Agriculture and Pastoralism

Sudan's 2023 war severely impacted pastoralism and agriculture, causing food insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship, particularly in Darfur, Kordofan, and El Gezira State, where the RSF's actions worsened pre-existing water management issues and increased costs for farmers.

English
Nigeria
Human Rights ViolationsHuman RightsHumanitarian CrisisWarAfricaAgricultureFood SecuritySudanWomenPastoralism
Rapid Support Forces (Rsf)African UnionGezira And Managil Farmers AssociationDabanga
Hussein Saad
How have pre-existing challenges in water management and agricultural practices been exacerbated by the current conflict in Sudan?
The conflict has severely impacted Sudan's agricultural sector, particularly in Managil, El Gezira State. The RSF's occupation has led to crop conversion, reduced productivity, and halted seed/fertilizer deliveries, impacting farmers' livelihoods. Irregular rainfall and flooding further exacerbate the situation.
What are the immediate economic and humanitarian consequences of the war in Sudan on the country's agricultural and pastoral sectors?
The war in Sudan has devastated pastoralism and agriculture, impacting the Sahel region's economy and exacerbating pre-existing issues. In Darfur and Kordofan, pastoralists have fled to countries like the Central African Republic, utilizing Transboundary Pastoralism Agreements. However, those remaining face food insecurity, domestic violence, and forced marriages.
What are the potential long-term regional implications of the disruption to pastoralism and agriculture in Sudan, considering its impact on food security and economic stability?
The Sudanese conflict's long-term impact includes widespread food insecurity and economic instability across the Sahel. The RSF's actions, such as imposing harvest taxes and fines, intensify existing problems and hinder recovery efforts. This will likely lead to increased displacement, regional instability, and long-term economic hardship.

Cognitive Concepts

3/5

Framing Bias

The article frames the war's impact as overwhelmingly negative, emphasizing the suffering of farmers and pastoralists. The choice to open with "one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time" sets a strong, negative tone. The detailed descriptions of the hardships faced by farmers and pastoralists, and the inclusion of specific financial burdens imposed by the RSF, reinforce this negative framing. While factual, this emphasis might overshadow any potential positive developments or resilience shown by the Sudanese people.

2/5

Language Bias

The language used is generally neutral, using descriptive terms like "sharp decline" and "exacerbated problems." However, phrases such as describing the situation as "one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time" are emotionally charged and could be considered loaded language. More neutral alternatives could be employed to maintain objectivity.

3/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of the war on pastoralism and agriculture in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, Kordofan, and Gezira states. While it mentions the role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the challenges faced by farmers, it omits perspectives from the RSF or the government regarding their actions and justifications. Additionally, the article does not explore potential positive outcomes or adaptation strategies employed by some communities in response to the conflict. The lack of diverse perspectives limits the reader's ability to fully understand the complexity of the situation.

2/5

False Dichotomy

The article doesn't present a false dichotomy explicitly. However, by focusing primarily on the negative consequences of the war on Sudanese agriculture and pastoralism, without offering alternative explanations or counter-narratives, it may implicitly create a simplified view of a complex situation. This simplification could lead readers to underestimate the resilience of some communities or overlook any potential mitigation efforts.

2/5

Gender Bias

The article mentions the disproportionate impact of the decline in pastoralism on women, citing domestic violence, forced marriage, and child marriage as consequences. However, it lacks detailed analysis of how gender roles and societal structures exacerbate these issues. Further investigation into gender-specific impacts and the provision of support systems for women would enhance the analysis.

Sustainable Development Goals

Zero Hunger Negative
Direct Relevance

The war in Sudan has severely impacted pastoralism and agriculture, leading to a decline in food security and exacerbating existing problems. This is evident in the reduced agricultural production in Managil, the disruption of seed and fertilizer supplies, and the increased costs of farming. The conflict has also caused displacement, affecting food access for those who have fled.