Sustaining Peace and Enhancing Livelihoods in Southern Sudan (SPELS)

Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2012) include: (1) conflict resolution: 226 community leaders have been trained in conflict mitigation and in targeted communities in Jonglei State and Western Bahr El Ghazal there has been a 100-200% reduction in the number of intra-community violent conflicts. Mixed-gender Community Peace Councils have been established and have led to extended conflict-free periods as a result of the Councils’ intensive role in consultation and issue resolution and engagement of the communities in more productive farm and off-farm activities. (2) Food security: As a result of training provided to improve farming techniques and distribution of farming inputs the acreage under cultivation and the production of groundnuts grains fish and vegetables has increased. In targeted communities in both Jonglei State and Western Bahr El Ghazal the hunger gap was reduced on average from 120 to 30 and 45 days per year respectively. With more food available in households the need for rationing has decreased. Income-generating activities and micro-credit primarily targeting women has resulted in the start-up of small businesses such as fish processing or bread -baking which generated funds to cover expenses such as children’s school fees. Participating households in one project site reported a 60% increase in income.