Seeds and Tools Program Yields Bumper Crop
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In the city of Al Daein, blacksmiths forge farming implements that UMCOR is distributing to internally displaced families. Rather than import the tools from somewhere else, UMCOR is supporting the local economy of the South Darfur region by providing employment to local craftspeople.
Credit: Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR |
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Good rainfall, new agriculture techniques such as planting several crops together in the same plot, and adequate food to eat during the growing season have yielded a bountiful harvest in the Al Daein region of South Darfur, Sudan, UMCOR workers reported. Peanuts, millet, sorghum, watermelon and okra were among the crops harvested during November.
With a grant from Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, Tipp City, Ohio, UMCOR distributed seeds to some 5,200 families displaced by the Sudan war. Seed and distribution costs amounted to about $124,000.
Local blacksmiths earned about $40,000 from tool purchases by UMCOR workers-rakes, weeders, hoes, axes and muk muks, a local hand tool common on the farm. UMCOR practices the art of local purchasing to strengthen the economy in a region.
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Peanuts getting planted outside the Abu Jabra IDP camp by Halima Grang Shole.
Credit: Paul Jeffrey |
Further building the economy were the activities of threshing, provided by non-farm households; packaging seed for selling at local markets; and peanut seed storage in anticipation of the next growing season. UMCOR workers led training sessions in farming techniques, market prices, and seed storage.
UMCOR is working on assisting displaced people in Sudan to find their way home, to return to peaceful farming or work. United Methodists can get involved in these ministries through giving to UMCOR Advance #184385, Sudan Emergency. United Methodist Committee on Relief is a 501(c)(3) charity and all contributions are fully tax deductible. Checks may be mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10187-9068. Donors using a credit card may call toll free 800-554-8583.
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