Sudan Transition to Agriculture Recovery and Resilience Project

pipeline

The proposed STARR Project aims to strengthen agricultural and livestock systems, revitalize seed security, and promote private sector–led value chain development by delivering improved seeds, fertilizers, animal feed, and veterinary services; rehabilitating rural infrastructure; and expanding access to finance and markets for SMEs and farmer cooperatives. Together, these interventions would build a stronger agricultural sector that enhances food security, creates jobs, and supports more resilient livelihoods.The project will comprise three components: Component 1: Revitalizing Agricultural and Livestock SystemsThe project will boost productivity of key crops and livestock through improved inputs, extension services, and veterinary support. It will rehabilitate community-based infrastructure, focusing on irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting structures, and livestock watering points. Solar-powered irrigation pumps will enhance water availability, especially in drought-prone areas. Additional efforts include repairing canals, restoring storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, and improving rural market access via feeder roads and bridges.Component 2: Strengthening Seed SystemsThis component aims to ensure long-term access to quality seeds by restoring and expanding community seed banks and supporting local cooperatives with training on seed management. It will revive research and development for improved seed production and build capacity for seed certification aligned with global standards. Investments in local seed enterprises will increase the availability of climate-resilient varieties, reducing reliance on external sources and improving recovery readiness.Component 3: Enhancing Value Chains and Private Sector EngagementThe project will strengthen agricultural and livestock value chains to address food insecurity and promote recovery. It will mobilize private investment and empower SMEs, cooperatives, and farmer associations to manage input supply, processing, and logistics. Activities will include upgrading irrigation systems, transport, storage, and post-harvest processing, financed through matching grants and supported by technical assistance. This approach will stabilize food supply, lower prices, and create jobs for vulnerable groups, especially youth and women.Digital Market Platform linking farmers, SMEs and marketsThe project will expand and operationalize the Mahsul digital platform to improve market access and value chain integration for farmers, cooperatives, and agri-SMEs. Mahsul, launched in 2024 under the ongoing Sudan Thabat Project, currently operates in three states (Northern, River Nile and Kassala) and connects farmers to markets through transparent B2B transactions. By reducing intermediaries and promoting price transparency, the platform will stabilize prices and enable vulnerable communities to access affordable food commodities through organized selling points. Geographical TargetingTarget localities, communities, and agricultural cooperatives will be identified using a formula established under the ongoing Sudan Thabat Project, based on clearly defined criteria including security conditions, agricultural and livestock potential, access to water resources, availability of private sector services (e.g., transport, agro-processing), and complementarity with other development partner interventions. This project is designed as a national project to ensure geographical targeting based on agriculture potential and the situation on the ground. Given the improved security situation and high agricultural potential in Gezira and Sennar states, the project may prioritize these two states for initial targeting. Should conflict escalate in any of the proposed project target areas, project resources may be reallocated to alternative localities or states, in accordance with procedures and criteria defined in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM), and in consultation with the World Bank.