Sudan: El Gezira Farmers Divided As Delayed Rains Threaten North Darfur Food Security

What the report says

Farmers in Sudan’s El Gezira Scheme are divided over newly formed agricultural and livestock associations, according to Dabanga via AllAfrica, as debate continues about how rural producers should organize and represent their interests. The report says the dispute centers on a General Assembly process that culminated in a meeting on August 25, 2026, after voter lists were published in November 2025 and a 15-day appeals period followed.

Mustafa El Tarifi, a member of the El Gezira Scheme General Assembly, said the effort brought wide farmer participation and produced a network of grassroots, local and specialized associations. He said the aim is to strengthen the scheme and address problems such as irrigation, financing, marketing and use of modern technology. He denied political interference and said farmers agreed on a single electoral list.

The El Gezira and El Managil Farmers’ Alliance rejected the new structures, arguing they do not reflect farmers’ aspirations and accusing the process of bloc-building, exclusion and procedural violations. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over representation in one of Sudan’s key agricultural areas.

Separately, communities in El Sarif locality in North Darfur, including nearby areas such as Saraf Umra, Kutum, Ambro, Karnoi, El Tina and Kabkabiya, warned that delayed rains are disrupting the farming season and worsening food insecurity. Residents told Dabanga that livestock are moving in search of pasture and water, some cattle have already died, and families are facing rising food prices. The broader context is Sudan’s fragile food and livelihood situation, where rainfall timing can strongly affect harvests, livestock health and local markets.