Restore Fishermen’s Livelihoods in Sudan

The Fisheries Livelihood Support – Gedaref State project aims to restore livelihoods for conflict-affected fishers and vulnerable households in Al-Mafaza, Fal Al-Nahl, and Al-Rahad areas of Gedaref State, Sudan. The project will provide essential fishing equipment, boats, and fish preservation tools, alongside practical training in fish handling, processing, value addition, and marketing. By strengthening fishing livelihoods, the project will improve household incomes, enhance food security, and increase the resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities.
Background
Sudan has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. The ongoing fighting has led to widespread displacement, economic collapse, and significant disruption of livelihoods across the country. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, while rising food prices, unemployment, and reduced agricultural production have severely weakened household coping capacities.
Food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with millions of people struggling to access sufficient and nutritious food. The disruption of farming, livestock production, and local markets has further reduced food availability and income sources for vulnerable households.
In eastern Sudan, particularly in Gedaref State, the arrival of large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has placed additional pressure on already limited resources and livelihood opportunities. Many families are increasingly relying on alternative livelihood activities such as fishing to secure food and income.
The influx of displaced people has also increased the number of fishers, while the available fishing resources and equipment remain very limited. Many of the existing fishing tools have become old, damaged, and difficult to repair or replace due to the economic crisis and lack of access to markets. As a result, fishers are forced to rely on very limited and inefficient fishing methods.
Consequently, many fishers who are the primary breadwinners for their families now face serious threats to their livelihoods due to the loss or deterioration of fishing equipment and their inability to afford new tools. This situation has significantly reduced their capacity to sustain fishing activities, placing their households at greater risk of food insecurity and economic hardship.
Supporting fisheries livelihoods therefore represents an important opportunity to strengthen food security, restore income sources, and improve the resilience of both displaced and host communities. By equipping fishers with the necessary tools and skills, communities can increase local food production while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Project Title: Restore Fishermen’s Livelihoods in Sudan

Overall goal : The campaign aims to support fishers affected by conflict and displacement in Gedaref State by providing fishing equipment and strengthening their skills in fish
processing and marketing. This will help improve household incomes and enhance food security for vulnerable families.

Project total Budget: USD 200,000

Project Location : Gedaref State – Sudan
Target Areas:

• ِAl-Fashga - CI TATA AND Al-Mafaza
• Fal Al-Nahl
• Al-Rahad

Target Beneficiaries :Direct
120 fishers
Indirect beneficiaries: 600 household members
Total beneficiaries:720 people

Project Activities
1. Provision of Fishing Equipment
The project will support fishers with essential equipment required to resume fishing activities, including:
• Fishing nets
• Fishing lines and hooks
• Fishing boats
• Boat engines

2. Fish Preservation and Processing Support
To reduce post-harvest losses and increase product value, the project will provide:
• Fish preservation boxes
• Fish drying equipment
• Fish processing tools

3. Training and Capacity Building
The project will conduct practical training sessions for fishers on:
• Fish handling and hygiene practices
• Fish drying and preservation techniques
• Value addition to fish products
• Marketing and market linkages

Expected Results
• 120 fishers regain sustainable livelihoods
• Increased fish production and improved household income
• Strengthened food security for vulnerable communities
• Reduced post-harvest losses through improved fish preservation
• Enhanced resilience of IDPs and host communities in Gedaref State.

Result
$50 Provides fishing tools for one fisher
$150 Provides fishing nets and hooks
$500 Supports fish preservation equipment
$1,000 Supports training for fishers
$7,000 Provides a fishing boat with engine

Overall Campaign Impact
• 120 fishers supported
• 720 people benefiting from improved food security
• 20 fishing boats distributed
• 120 fishing gear kits provided
• 30–40% increase in fish production expected


Budget Matrix – Fisheries Livelihood Support (200,000 USD)

Budget Item Unit Cost (USD) Quantity Total (USD)
Fishing Nets Kits 300 120 36,000
Fishing Lines & Hooks Kits 100 120 12,000
Fishing Boats 5,000 20 100,000
Boat Engines 2,000 20 40,000
Fish Preservation Boxes 100 40 4,000
Fish Drying & Processing Equipment 800 10 8,000
Training Workshops (5 sessions) 2,000 5 10,000
Project Monitoring & Field Supervision 5,000 1 5,000
Total 200,000 USD