The Natural Resource Management Project - Improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty in conflict-affected communities of East Darfur

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has issued 3 stories about the 'Natural Resource Management Project' in East Darfur.

By improving the way resources are managed, the Natural Resource Management Project has aimed to improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty in conflict-affected communities of East Darfur.

The Natural Resource Management Project has sought to mitigate the potential for violence and improve living conditions by addressing three key areas: access to water, environmental policy and livelihoods.  

Funded by the European Union, the project was implemented by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and ZOA (an international relief and recovery organization), together with local partners, participating communities, customary institutions and the government.

UNOPS, which is the lead implementing agency for the project, has issued following stories about the project. 

Part 1 - Helping peace take root - this story is about how Across East Darfur, shared management of natural resources is helping mitigate conflict, promote women’s rights and improve livelihoods. 

Part 2 - Water the artery of life - This story is about how better access to water is helping create new possibilities for people in some of the world’s most remote communities. 

Part 3 - Rehabilitating East Darfur’s gum arabic belt For many years, one of Sudan’s most important exports went into decline, but a new generation of farmers are returning to gum arabic production. This story is about a project to train farmers on the cultivation and conservation of the trees, which is helping restore trust in the crop as a worthy investment.

UNOPS, the lead implementing agency for the project, was also responsible for constructing nine water yards. UNEP helped implement policies to guide the use of natural resources. ZOA, together with local partners, worked on capacity building to improve livelihoods and promote the use of more sustainable techniques for using natural resources.

The project has benefited more than 9,000 households in nine localities across the East Darfur State and has helped shape new legislation for natural resource management. The ‘Council Act for Coordination and Management of Natural Resource Policies for East Darfur State’ (2018), is the first of its kind in Sudan and provides a framework for the shared management of resources by both the state government and local communities.