Darfur and Chad Emergency Appeal

The conflict in western Sudan has left 200,000 dead and an estimated two million homeless. SCIAF is providing direct aid through the Darfur Emergency Response Operation (DERO) to thousands of individuals and families who have fled their homes to live in temporary camps.

What has become one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises started in 2003 following violent clashes between pro-government Arab militias (the Janjaweed) and non-Arab rebel groups. The Janjaweed has conducted a campaign of extreme violence against the population in Darfur. With the conflict and refugees spilling over into neighbouring Chad there is a very real danger of greater regional chaos.

Vital resources provided

Generous donations from the Scottish public have enabled SCIAF to send over £436,000 to support the homeless now living in temporary camps in Darfur and Chad.

This money is helping over 20,000 families receive seeds, tools and training to grow crops and tree seedlings. This aid will feed over 120,000 people, enable 3,000 families to harvest enough food for three months during the rainy season and help over 5,000 families learn how to grow more food in the dry season.

The money also helps farmers establish seed banks and receive training on how to manage them. Trees are planted to reduce the environmental

damage caused by the huge influx of people to the camps, benefiting both internally displaced people and impoverished host communities.

Cross-border consequences

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled into neighbouring Chad where the indigenous population is now feeling the strain. SCIAF funding is benefiting almost 50,000 refugees and local people in Chad by providing better water supplies, food and education. Irrigation channels and motorised water pumps are helping to improve crop production. As in Darfur, plants and trees are distributed for planting in areas hosting refugees to combat environmental degradation.

Ten schools are being built or repaired in Chad’s refugee camps. A food storage centre, destroyed in the rains, is being rebuilt and food distribution channels are being improved.

Small loans are also being provided and training given to help local people and refugees create small businesses to provide them with an income to feed their families.

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