SUD, UNDP Strength. Resilience East SUD
UNDP’s Strengthening the Resilience of IDPS, Refugees and Vulnerable Host Communities in East Sudan (StRiDES) initiative aims to support approximately 160,000 individuals affected by the Sudan conflict in Kassala, Gedaref, and the Red Sea States, with a particular focus on women, youth, and children. With a budget of USD 8,541,346 over 24 months, it addresses immediate humanitarian needs while enhancing food security, livelihoods, and access to clean water and sustainable energy. Primarily funded by Switzerland and supplemented by contributions from Italy, Japan, and UNDP, the project integrates the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus to promote long-term resilience and regional stability.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sudan |
Emergency Relief and Protection
Emergency food assistance
Protection, access & security |
01.05.2025
- 30.06.2027 |
CHF 3’500’000
|
- Food and livelihood security improved for IDPs, refugees, and vulnerable host households in Kassala, Gedaref and Red Sea States.
- Access to water and clean energy improved among the vulnerable groups, enhancing their welfare and protection.
- The capacity of community-based structures for social cohesion and service delivery is strengthened.
- 20,000 households received agricultural inputs
- 8,000 IDPs, refugees, and landless groups accessed agricultural land
- 12 agricultural associations formed, including IDPs, refugees, and locals
- 20,000 households benefited from extension services via Farmer Field Schools
- Six seed multiplication projects initiated with lead farmers and research stations
- 4,500 households supported with livestock restocking and vaccinations
- 20 associations received micro-grants for small businesses and income initiatives
- 20 savings schemes enhanced self-help for IDPs and host communities
- 3,000 youth employed through Cash-for-Work programs
- Market access improved by linking with two private sector partners-
- 12 water resources rehabilitated and upgraded, with 20 solar pumps provided for irrigation
- 1,000 solar cooking stoves distributed
- 100 solar streetlights have been installed in gathering areas to enhance women's safety
- Twelve community management committees have been formed, each comprising 25 members and sub-committees
- 300 CMC members trained in advocacy, negotiation, gender equality, and leadership
- Community peace dialogues and events, including sports and cultural activities, fostered social cohesion
- United Nations Development Programme
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Emergency food aid
Material relief assistance and services
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F11550
| Background | The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced millions and left 30.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Food insecurity now affects 24.6 million people, with famine conditions continuing to worsen. Among the 11.3 million IDPs, Eastern Sudan has absorbed approximately 1.415 million individuals as of March 2025 - 318,415 in Kassala, 852,626 in Gedaref, and 244,306 in the Red Sea States. This massive influx has placed immense strain on already fragile host communities, which are struggling with chronic underdevelopment, widespread poverty, and limited access to basic services. The resulting pressure on scarce resources has deepened local vulnerabilities and fuelled regional instability. Eastern Sudan remains highly volatile, with escalating security risks, crumbling infrastructure, and intense competition over dwindling resources further exacerbating social tensions. |
| Objectives | Enhanced resilience and self-reliance among IDPs, refugees, and vulnerable host communities in Kassala, Gedaref, and Red Sea States through improved food and livelihood security, social cohesion, and access to essential services, in line with UNDP’s integrated area-based approach. |
| Target groups | 160,000 IDPs, refugees, and vulnerable host communities (55% female) in Kassala, Gedaref, and Red Sea States. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
|
| Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: N.A. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Government ministries, such as Agriculture, Finance, and the Water Corporation, play a key role in guiding policy alignment. NGOs, CBOs, and private sector partners, such as DAL, contribute resources and community-focused solutions. The State Technical Coordination Committee (STCC) and the Sudan Operations Coordination Cell (SOCC) facilitate technical oversight, while UN agencies and cluster coordination enhance targeting across sectors, including FSL, WASH, Health, and Shelter. Media engagement amplifies visibility and fosters public support for initiatives. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’400’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 3’500’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.05.2025 - 30.06.2027 (Current phase) |
