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Darfur Joint Assessment Mission

The signing of the DDPD brought with it a new impetus for recovery and reconstruction in the Darfur region. As stipulated in the DDPD, a needs-assessment was to be carried out “to identify and assess the needs for economic recovery, development and poverty eradication in the aftermath of the conflict in Darfur.” This assessment would be crucial in considering the needs in social areas and infrastructure which would in turn determine the resources required for addressing those needs within a six year period. As UNDP Sudan Deputy Country Director, Amin Sharkawi noted, “Opportunities for conflict are many but opportunities for peace are few. Security, a fair justice system, basic social services, infrastructure are essential for ensuring livelihoods and peace. This is a shift from humanitarian assistance to development and recovery”

 

The Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) led the preparation and implementation of the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission whose aim was to give an accurate and clear report on the needs of the people on the ground. Five state consultations took place in each capital in Darfur with each involving intensive three-day workshops. Workshops were divided into two sections with representation from the localities, government, NSAs and communities for the first day and a half for a wide ranging problem tree analysis for the recognition and establishment of needs and priorities. A smaller group of decision makers came for the second day to discuss and validate the priorities identified.

 

For Tadjadine Bechir Niam, the DRA Minister for Reconstruction, Development and Infrastructure as well as Chairman for Planning and Coordination Committee the process was a great success. “UNDP has been trusted to lead the process in cooperation with the other partners. DRA Chairman Dr. Eltigani Seisi asked me to convey my sincere appreciation to all those who worked with us, especially those who went to the field for more than 17 days moving from one state to another state. We are very happy.” For Mohammed Ali Ahmed Sharif, the West Darfur State Minister of Finance, Economy and Labor Force the occasion was a momentous one instilling hope for bettering the lives and livelihoods of his constituents.  “We hope that the results of this workshop will reflect positively among our people here in West Darfur in all aspects of life and I’m sure that will make a difference for our people.”

Darfur Development Strategy

The Darfur Joint Assessment Mission began in September 2012 and  concluded in December 2012. The identified priorities inform the Darfur Development Strategy were presented at the International Donor Conference for Reconstruction and Development in Doha, Qatar in April 2013. The final results of the conference can be found here.

 

A video, showing some impressions from the exercise, is available at the media center.

 

Photos by Ariel Rubin, UNDP Sudan