Muna Eltahir, head of Practical Action, decries severe USAID cuts impacting vital humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The organization, which aids communities in Kassala and Gedarif states, is facing unprecedented challenges due to funding losses. Despite initial setbacks, Practical Action is exploring alternative funding sources to continue support amidst the ongoing civil conflict and climate challenges in Sudan.
Muna Eltahir, head of Practical Action in Sudan, has expressed concern over recent cuts to USAID funding, describing them as the most severe she has encountered in over 30 years of humanitarian work. The cuts have exacerbated an already challenging situation in Sudan, where civil conflict, climate change effects, and rising poverty levels significantly impact communities, particularly during Ramadan when access to basic services is crucial.
Practical Action operates specifically in the Kassala and Gedarif states, which are prone to drought due to variable rainfall. The organization assists these communities by providing drought-resistant seeds, agricultural tools, and education to cultivate crops like millet. Additionally, Practical Action helps construct water points and distributes solar panels through a pay-as-you-go plan, enabling communities to improve their livelihoods.
Before the USAID cuts, the organization was aiding nearly 400,000 individuals. These cuts halted a $2.5 million project in collaboration with the World Food Programme that aimed to deliver vital resources to 126,000 people by supplying seeds, solar energy, and water infrastructure. Consequently, Eltahir was forced to cease project operations, laying off staff and suspending contracts due to funding loss, which created significant disruption in services expected by communities.
Despite the initial disappointment, the affected communities have shown understanding as they were informed that the cessation stemmed from government decisions rather than Practical Action’s choices. Fortunately, prior distributions of seeds and tools enabled farmers to start planting, although many essential resources remained in limbo.
As a response to the funding gap, Practical Action is actively seeking other donors to replace the lost support. While USAID accounted for approximately 25% of the funding in Sudan, Eltahir emphasized that the organization has diversified funding sources and intends to maintain its operations through other programs to support vulnerable communities. The situation remains critical, and ongoing efforts are necessary to sustain humanitarian aid in Sudan.
The cuts to USAID funding represent unprecedented challenges for humanitarian aid in Sudan, severely impacting Practical Action’s capacity to support local communities. The organization is actively seeking alternative funding and has managed to mobilize some resources, but the loss of USAID’s support poses significant risks to ongoing projects aimed at combating food insecurity and improving access to water and power. The resilience and understanding of the impacted communities highlight the need for sustained international assistance during this crisis.
Original Source: www.context.news
