Rebuilding Sudan’s Wheat Sector

The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation II (TAATII) Wheat project in Sudan, a collaboration between ICARDA, the African Development Bank, and the Agricultural Research Corporation, is aiming to rebuild and enhance the wheat sector, which has been adversely affected by conflict. Despite facing disruptions that displaced ARC and threatened progress, the project is recovering, with efforts underway to restart critical research and seed production. This is happening from new locations, where early-generation wheat seed is being produced, and farmers are being trained in climate-smart practices. The project's progress was showcased at a field day, with support from partners like JICA and WFP, indicating a commitment to revitalize agricultural research and support farmers in war-torn areas.

ICARDA, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is implementing the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation II (TAATII) Wheat project in Sudan in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC). Sudan’s wheat sector, once on the path to self-sufficiency, is now caught between conflict and resilience. Before the war disrupted the country’s agricultural systems, Sudan had expanded wheat cultivation to over 300,000 hectares, producing more than one million tons in 2019/20, covering half of its domestic needs. This upward trajectory was promising. But war does not discriminate, and the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), Sudan’s key agricultural research body, was displaced from Wad Medani alongside the population, jeopardizing years of progress. Against these odds, a quiet revival is underway. With support from AfDB, ICARDA’s TAAT Wheat project is working with ARC to rebuild critical research and seed production systems. Operating ...