Building Resilient Communities: How the EU Trust Fund is Transforming Lives in Eastern Sudan

In the heart of Eastern Sudan, in the states of Kassala and Gedaref, communities have long faced the challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and economic hardship. The EU Trust Fund project "Improving Nutrition and Reducing Stunting in Eastern Sudan through an Integrated Nutrition and Food Security Approach” (EU contribution 26.000.000 Euros), implemented by the the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners, has provided response to this situation enhancing the ability of women and children to lead socially and economically productive lives, strengthening their resilience and that of their communities. 

Growing Opportunities and Empowering Women

For Aziza, a mother and farmer, the transformation has been life changing. 

“WFP built a water tank, a women’s community center, and a school farm. We now plant and harvest vegetables, which we sell in the market,” she explains. 

Previously, families in her village struggled with food shortages and lacked sustainable sources of income. The bore hole and water tank were critical to overcome water shortages in the community. The extra income has allowed her to buy essentials, support her children’s education, and invest in future harvests. 

“Before, we had to travel far to buy vegetables. Now, we grow them here.”, she added.  

The school farm is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security and nutrition. By teaching sustainable farming techniques and ensuring access to fresh produce, the initiative helps prevent malnutrition, particularly among young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. For Mawada former student of the Alahafad University in Khartoum, the project opened a path to independence. After returning to her village due to the war, she joined a food-making program supported by WFP. 

“Before, we had to travel just to buy bread. Now, with the training we received, we bake it ourselves and even sell it,” she says.

By learning new skills, Mawada and other women have gained economic independence. The income generated allows them to invest in expanding their businesses, such as farming peanuts and lentils. 

“We also started using ovens and cooking gas instead of firewood, which makes the process easier and safer.”, she added.  

A Community That Cares: a Holistic Approach to Resilience

The project has fostered strong community ties. A community fund, set up with WFP’s support, is helping families in need. 

“We contribute a small amount of money regularly. Part of it is distributed among members, while another portion is reserved for vulnerable families. A mother once needed money to treat her sick child. The community fund covered the cost, no repayment needed ” Mawada explains.

This initiative is more than just a collection of projects; it is a comprehensive approach to building long-term resilience. By integrating food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and social protection, this action ishelping communities withstand future shocks, whether economic, climatic, or conflict related. Over 100,000 people in Kassala and Gedaref have already benefited from it, but the impact extends beyond numbers. It is reflected in every mother who can now feed her children, every farmer who can sustain a business, and every village that stands stronger together.