Al-Awai Dam Revives Agriculture and Empowers Communities in Rashad
In the heart of South Kordofan’s Rashad locality, a quiet revolution is unfolding along the seasonal Al-Awai stream. Thanks to the construction of the Al-Awai sand dam—funded by the Norwegian Embassy and implemented by SOS Sahel Sudan—local communities are witnessing a remarkable transformation in agricultural productivity, water access, and women’s empowerment.
During a recent field visit, the monitoring team met Agricultural Engineer Noor Al-Huda, a respected member of the community. Her testimony captured the essence of the dam’s impact:
With the dam in place, water retention has dramatically improved, enabling year-round access to irrigation. This breakthrough has opened new opportunities for winter farming—especially for women, who have begun cultivating land near the dam with renewed confidence and purpose.
One standout achievement has been the successful introduction of onion farming, a first for the area. The community not only achieved self-sufficiency but also generated surplus produce for local markets, boosting household incomes and strengthening food resilience.
This story is a testament to how simple, community-led infrastructure—when backed by strategic partnerships—can deliver lasting change. The Al-Awai Dam is more than a structure; it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and progress.
🌍 SOS Sahel Sudan remains committed to supporting sustainable development and inclusive growth across Sudan’s rural communities.
