Community Based Adaptation in Miekhaia village, western Sudan

The dominant livelihoods are herding, rain-fed farming, forestry and gum collection. People are mainly vulnerable to drought cycles and erratic rainfall. This comes on top of overgrazing, over-cropping, and deforestation causing the loss of vegetation and water scarcity.
A vulnerability mapping exercise was undertaken, followed by interviews and focus groups with community members in Miekhaia village to discuss of climate variability and change, and indigenous ways of coping with environmental stresses. Training on climate change was conducted to build the capacity of the local NGO. Opportunities were explored to build on the work Practical Action is already doing in the area, supporting small-scale farmers strengthen their livelihoods by: improving water harvesting techniques; improving agricultural practices; supporting income generating activities; addressing energy problems; involving relevant institutions and policy makers; etc.

Sumaya Ahmed Zakieldeen, zakields@yahoo.com
Sudanese Environment Conservation Society and Practical Action