Qatar’s EAA Foundation and FAO Launch Major Livelihood Initiative in Sudan to Benefit 1.8 Million People Amid Conflict

EAA Foundation and FAO launch a major initiative in Sudan to provide jobs for 31,000 youth and improve food security for 1.7 million people. Read more.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 5:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Gulf Times.

Restoring Livelihoods in Conflict-Affected Communities

A significant humanitarian and development initiative led by Qatar’s Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is set to transform the recovery prospects for millions in Sudan. Partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the EAA’s Silatech Programme is deploying a livelihood strategy designed to counter the economic devastation caused by ongoing regional conflict. The project aims to provide direct support to 103,550 individuals, creating a ripple effect of stability for an estimated 1.7 million indirect beneficiaries across the nation.

Empowering Youth Through Agricultural Self-Employment

At the heart of the initiative is a focus on Sudan’s youth, particularly those internally displaced by war. Noora Faisal al-Thani, head of Employment Programmes at EAA, emphasized that the project aims to place approximately 31,000 young people into sustainable employment and self-employment roles within the agriculture and livestock sectors. By equipping youth with diverse seeds, livestock inputs, and modern technical skills, the programme seeks to transition vulnerable populations from emergency aid dependency toward economic self-reliance.

Restoring the Gezirah Scheme and Irrigation Infrastructure

The project places heavy emphasis on central Sudan’s Gezirah Scheme, historically the backbone of the country's agricultural output. Efforts include the rehabilitation of critical irrigation systems that have deteriorated or been damaged during recent hostilities. To ensure the sustainability of these improvements, the initiative utilizes "Farmers Field Schools"—community-based learning hubs where participants gain hands-on experience in improved agricultural practices and sustainable land management.