“This potato cultivation season was different for me as I got certified seeds and fertilisers at the right time to commence with cultivation. In the past, we hardly got both seeds and fertilisers on time. My potato flourished well and healthy, thanks to the good seeds, fertilisers, and technical advice we received throughout the cultivation season from the agrodealer who provided the seeds,” said Adam Alnour, a potato farmer in West Omdurman, Khartoum State.
“As the potato cultivation season approached, I was increasingly worried that I might not be able to secure the seeds and fertilisers needed for planting. Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, agricultural inputs had become scarce in local markets, making it difficult for farmers like me to prepare for the season. To my surprise and relief, I received certified potato seeds and fertilisers on time. This timely support gave me confidence and motivated me to work even harder on my farm, knowing that I had access to quality inputs that could help improve my harvest and increase my family’s income,” explained Alnour.
To help salvage the agricultural season in conflict-ridden Sudan and support farmers facing severe shortages of essential farming inputs, Sustain Africa, a pan-African initiative hosted by the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC), joined forces with CIMMYT, 249Startups, and the Clingendael Institute to strengthen access to critical agricultural supplies. Through this collaboration, four Sudanese private-sector companies were supported to import 48,500 metric tons of high-quality fertiliser and 5,200 metric tons of certified Irish potato seeds.
The intervention was designed to address supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict, which had significantly reduced the availability of agricultural inputs and threatened the livelihoods of thousands of farming households. By facilitating the importation and distribution of quality fertilisers and improved potato seeds, the initiative helped farmers access the resources they needed to plant on time, improve crop productivity, and protect their incomes.
“ I was waiting patiently for the harvest time to come. In April, I started harvesting my potatoes. My yield was amazing; this time, my yield has more than tripled. This is the best cultivation season I have ever had in my over 10 years of cultivating potatoes,” joyfully noted Alnour, adding that the great yield enabled me to repair my broken tractor, and now I am considering expanding the field I am going to cultivate in the coming potato cultivation season.
Helping farmers, like Alnour, is critical, particularly in countries affected by conflict, economic instability, and market disruptions. When quality fertilisers are available and affordable, farmers can plant on time, improve crop productivity, and produce healthier, higher-quality harvests. This not only helps reduce production losses and increase household incomes but also strengthens food security and supports the recovery of local agricultural markets. In times of crisis, reliable access to fertilisers enables farming communities to sustain their livelihoods, build resilience, and continue contributing to the food supply despite challenging circumstances.