The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce collaboration in agriculture and agricultural related programs to build the resilience of migrants and rural communities.

H.E Prof. Ibrahim Adam Ahmed El-Dukheri, the Director General of AOAD stressed the importance of enhancement of agricultural and livestock productivity as critical to build resilience of rural community and promote the transition to developed community. This should be achieved through community-based agricultural programs and establishing links with local market and strengthening capacity building interventions.

” On the other side, Ms Catherine Northing, Chief of IOM Mission in Sudan said, the immigration in Sudan had unfortunately considered as “emergency cases” and the sustainable development vision was limited. Ms Catherine added that , IOM as the leading migration agency warmly welcomed the collaboration with AOAD. As it will support longer term sustainable interventions for the benefit of migrants such as displaced populations, returnees and refugees as well as local community”.

 The signed Memorandum MOU aimed at strengthening resilience-focused and development-based agricultural and agricultural related programs with particular focus on the areas of migratory routes, addressing the needs of migrants and affected rural communities. It will further facilitate capacity building of rural communities on better crops management, livestock and natural resources by addressing the Environmental degradation and climate change issues.