Darfur farmers predict poor harvest because of late rains

The late start of rainfall this year in most of the five Darfur states has raised concerns about the proceeds of the current agricultural season.

The late and below-average rainfall in parts of Sudan's western region may lead to a very meagre harvest, according to agricultural experts in Darfur.

“They said that the situation requires from the government to take the necessary precautions and arrange for strategic stocks to cope with the expected failure of the agricultural season,” a farmer reported from Asalaya in East Darfur.

In various interviews with Radio Dabanga on Tuesday, Darfuri farmers expressed their concern about the start of the rains in August instead of June.

A farmer from Terri village in Central Darfur pointed out that the “fluctuating rainfall” may lead to a poor harvest. He warned for a serious food gap from October onwards.

“The situation is worsened by the ongoing attacks by militiamen on farmers in the area,” he added.

Farmers in West Darfur also expressed their worries about the upcoming harvest.

In South and East Darfur, the reactions were mixed. Some farmers are optimistic, saying that they “had enough rains this year”. Others are more concerned about the “moderate rains” during this season. People in Gireida, Asalaya, Buram, and El Malam, East Darfur, described the rainfall as “unstable and too late”.

The farmers in Um Baru locality, North Darfur, however, expressed their satisfaction about the rainfall this year.