There are many trials of life for the people of Darfur.
Banditry, murder, hijackings and rape all happen with numbing regularity.
Most media coverage concentrates on the conflict, so it’s easy for outsiders to be left with the impression that the population is merely hunkering down while a firestorm rages around them.
But the reality of Darfur is no different to other conflict zones. Life has to, and does, go on.
Life goes on in Beida despite the challenges of insecurity and the environment. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund.
Tearfund is working in western and southern Darfur alongside our partner, FAR (Fellowship for African Relief), helping people to improve their standard of living.
Tearfund staff have recently returned from the region to report on progress and it is clear, thanks to the support of the global church, there is a good deal.
Helping people feed themselves is one key area of FAR’s work.
For example in Beida, Kango Haraza, Mesterei and Arara they are assisting locals, nomads and displaced people who have been forced to move to the area because their home region is unsafe.
They are being taught new farming skills, being given tools to do the work and seeds to grow crops.
FAR expertise has helped people in Beida cultivate vegetable gardens like this one. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund
In Beida, a women’s group used to grow sorghum until flooding last year. With FAR’s help they are now growing onions, local greens, cucumber and tomatoes.
The land is irrigated by a manually-operated water pump, training for which has also been provided by FAR.
The chairperson of the 20-strong group, a woman called Umkula, said she is very happy with the results of FAR's support over the last 12 months.
Umkula and her family are among those who have received help to grow their own food. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund
Similar sentiments were expressed by another beneficiary living in Arara: `The result of all the support has been that now I can benefit from my vegetables, keep some seeds for next year and also sell some seeds too,' she said. `This year I’ve also been able to buy some extra seeds from Geneina.'
A hoe is used to work the soil but the women’s group hope to receive a donkey to make life easier.
The donkey is highly valued in Darfur for its work on the land. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund
Donkeys are much sought after in Darfur for the work they do on the land and keeping them healthy is paramount, so FAR provides animal husbandry expertise too.
The effectiveness of FAR’s work is shown by increasing crop yields and the diversity of what’s being grown, which is particularly noticeable at markets.
Beida market now offers a greater variety of produce and prices are more stable as a result. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund
More and more women are receiving training in preserving food so that it lasts longer and can be used either to feed their families or sold for income.
Another way of improving lives is by expanding people’s means of earning a living.
In Geneina, there are nine groups involving 180 women making money by baking bread and trading kitchen utensils, charcoal and cereal.
Peace building
In a region wracked by conflict, building peace is vital. FAR is helping locals manage and solve problems.
So if someone is attacked, instead of taking revenge, they are encouraged to go to the local authorities.
One sheik said, `We still need FAR to support the peace-building. Before the conflict we all had good relationships and inter-married. We don’t know how the conflict happened and are ashamed of it. Now we share land, water, schools and hospitals.’
A meeting of sheikhs to discuss latest developments. Picture: Phil James/Tearfund
Tearfund disaster management staff in Darfur are also making strides to improve life by running hygiene and health clinics, eradicating mosquito breeding sites and finding ways of managing waste.
Phil James, Tearfund’s Disaster Management Officer for Darfur who has just returned from the region, said, `Community leaders were very complimentary about FAR and Tearfund.
‘They were pleased with FAR’s work and their relationship with them. This also came across clearly in speaking to FAR’s beneficiaries.’