72DFFP20GR00011 FY21 Q3 Performance Report

The project was approved for an 18-month period and has received a 6-month extension, extending the completion period from July 31, 2021, to January 31, 2022. During the reporting period, from April 1 to June 30, 2021, the project team implemented activities focused on training on conflict management, Natural Resources Management/Governance, identification and training of producer groups, and mobilization and selection of participants for the summer DiNER fairs. The project also conducted DiNER fairs and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening. Food access remained a challenge due to high staple food prices, which were exacerbated by the devaluation of the Sudanese pound against the United States Dollar. To address this issue, CRS has reviewed budgets and identified gains resulting from the recent devaluation, and will support the most vulnerable households in the target communities with food basket support for 2 months in the lean season. The seasonal rains started as expected in the middle of June, providing relief to communities as water availability improved and livestock pasture started to show signs of recovery. Land preparation and planting of the main agricultural season crops started in earnest, with the aim of increasing total land area from 2,657 feddans cultivated in the last season to 3,013 feddans this season. Private Sector Engagement continued to play a crucial role in the project, with Haggar and SAY group continuing agricultural activities with the same farmer associations in East Darfur. The security situation remained stable in the RISING project communities, although there has been increased inter-communal fighting in surrounding communities in West Darfur and South Darfur. A major security incident occurred in West Darfur, with clashes between Arab and non-Arab Massalit communities in El Geneina, resulting in loss of life and widespread looting. This incident forced many families who were already internally displaced to move to government institutions in Geneina town. Access to RISING II project sites, staff movement, and delivery of project inputs were limited during this period due to the unstable security situation around Geneina and increased tensions and movement restrictions in El Geneina and surrounding areas. In South Darfur, the improved security situation is attributed to the signing of the Juba Agreement in October 2020 by most of the rebel groups in South Darfur. However, localized inter-communal clashes and incidences of a criminal nature continued to take place in the reporting period in many parts of Darfur. In Central Darfur, four security incidences were reported, while in East Darfur, three armed robbery incidents were reported, including one incident where a driver was killed and three other people were injured. The macroeconomic crisis in Sudan has resulted in a notable increase in prices of goods and services, following the removal of subsidies on petrol and diesel. The FAO reports that soaring prices of agricultural supplies will likely affect planted areas and crop yields, due to sustained inflation and dwindling purchasing power of households. The project is working to mitigate the impact of these challenges on food security and nutrition outcomes.