Abbala herders enter livestock on South Darfur farms

Armed herders entered their livestock on farms owned by residents of El Salam camp for the displaced near Nyala, capital of South Darfur, on Monday and Tuesday.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga, sheikh Mahjoub Adam Tabaldiya of El Salam camp said that Abbala herders from North Darfur released their camels, cattle, and sheep on eight farms in the areas of Tabeldiyat, Jabarona, and Ardabat El Omda, about 15 kilometres south of the camp. 

“The herders threaten to shoot the farmers if they chase the livestock from their land,” he said. “The grazing already caused significant damage to the crops.”

Poor pastures, poor crops

In its Food Security Outlook Update for September, the Famine Early Warning Systems (FEWS Net) warned for the possibility of conflicts erupting between herders and farmers.

Below-average rainfall this year resulted in bad pasture conditions, as well as delayed planting and poor crop growth in many Sudanese regions. An increased risk of crop failures and low production surpluses are expected for the delayed harvest at the end of this year.

Herders migration usually takes place in December and January, with livestock arriving during or just after this harvest period. As crops are now in an earlier stage of development, there is a higher risk of crops being accidentally destroyed or consumed by livestock, FEWS Net stated.