South Darfur harvest fails due to drought
Mershing locality faces severe food shortages as insufficient rainfall decimates crops.
Civilians in Mershing locality, South Darfur, are experiencing dire conditions after a sharp decline in agricultural production. Insufficient rainfall, shrinking cultivated areas, and encroachments on farmland have led to a near-total failure of the summer harvest. Local authorities are appealing for urgent humanitarian support to expand health, water, and education services.
Oqba Abdel Hamid, the executive director of Mershing locality, stated that only between 40 and 50 per cent of farmers cultivated land this year, with crop production estimated at around 20 per cent. He attributes the decline to poor rainfall, economic difficulties, and farmers’ fears of herders encroaching on their land. These factors have caused many residents to abandon farming or move elsewhere.
Families are now moving towards displacement areas like Tawila and Shangil Tobaya, some influenced by misleading campaigns about available assistance. Abdel Hamid estimates 30 to 40 families recently travelled to Tawila. Previous movements to Shangil Tobaya saw families return after conditions did not meet expectations.
Why it mattersResidents of Mershing locality face increasing food needs and potential displacement due to failed harvests.