FAO Component of the 2006 Work Plan for Sudan
As part of the 2006 Work Plan for Sudan, which outlines the United Nations (UN) and partners planned support to humanitarian and recovery/development programming in the country, the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is appealing for US$40 million in funding, to support its assistance programmes in 2006. Some 87 percent of the people of Sudan are dependent on agriculture for their food security and livelihoods. Given the Organization’s expertise in farming, livestock, fisheries and forestry, FAO’s role is crucial in humanitarian response and recovery efforts.
In 2005, the signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the formation of the Government of National Unity (GoNU) and the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), and the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1590 - providing the mandate for the United Nations Mission in Sudan - fundamentally changed the nature of the strategies and programmes required to support Sudan's nascent peace.
Despite progress in 2005, Sudan's humanitarian needs for 2006 remain immense. The ongoing conflict in Darfur, the risk of a poor harvest in parts of Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile, the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Sudanese and other humanitarian needs, make relief central to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. In 2006, the UN and partners will support 5.52 million people with relief assistance across the country (including 2.5 million people in Darfur), assist a projected 680 000 returnees related to the North-South conflict and ensure continued relief for other areas emerging from over twenty years of conflict.
However, humanitarian assistance alone will not secure the developmental progress upon which a sustainable peace will be built. The 2006 Work Plan builds upon ongoing humanitarian assistance to begin the long-term development processes central to Sudan's future.
FAO is well-suited to implement and oversee the bridging of relief and recovery assistance given its development mandate. In the appeal for Sudan, FAO’s humanitarian assistance proposals are complemented by a number of recovery and development programmes.
In order to respond to Sudan's diverse geographic needs, the 2006 Work Plan employs a combination of regional and sectoral approaches. An extensive consultation process involving government, donors and the non-governmental organization community was undertaken in each region to develop appropriate strategies. The Work Plan, including FAO’s component, is therefore more than a compendium of projects and objectives - it is based on a four month process through which a strategic vision was articulated and programming developed to fulfil that vision.
With the continued generosity of the donor community and the commitment of humanitarian partners, Sudan will move towards a sustainable peace in 2006. Given the importance of agriculture to the people and economy of Sudan, FAO’s role is particularly crucial in supporting the nascent peace process and ensuring a lasting recovery.
Anne M.
Bauer
Director
FAO Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation
Division
