FAO and Silatech sign USD 5 million agreement to boost youth employment in Sudan

Doha, Qatar: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has signed a USD 5 million cooperation agreement with Silatech, an inte...

Doha, Qatar: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has signed a USD 5 million cooperation agreement with Silatech, an international development organization, to enhance youth employment and support food security for more than 30 000 young people in Sudan. The agreement was formalized by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu and Hassan Ali Al Mulla, CEO of Silatech.

Sudan faces severe food security challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and natural disasters. Over 25.6 million people, more than half the population, are experiencing high levels of food insecurity. The unemployment rate stands at 17.1 percent, with a large portion of the youth population struggling to find sustainable livelihood opportunities.

This agreement, with the support of Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) through Silatech will fund the implementation of the Agriculture and Livelihoods Support for Vulnerable Populations in Sudan project. The project aims to provide sustainable job opportunities, improving livelihoods in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Gezira State, where 29% of the population suffers from acute food insecurity.

FAO and Silatech will collaborate on delivering agricultural inputs, such as crops, vegetables and legume seeds as well as livestock inputs, including milking goats and animal feed. All distributions will be accompanied by training on good production practices while developing long-term solutions to enhance production efficiency. The project also seeks to organize farmers’ associations that will be trained in irrigation management and improved agronomic practices.