Official in Natiga Locality: Poor Rainfall Threatens the Agricultural Season and Doubles Humanitarian Needs

Natiga: September 28, 2026: Radio Dabanga – The Humanitarian Affairs official in Natiga locality, South Darfur State, Hamid Ahmed Mukhtar, warned of the repercussions of weak and erratic rainfall this season, noting that rainfall levels have not exceeded 10%. This threatens the agricultural season and increases humanitarian needs in the locality. During a briefing on the humanitarian and service situation for local dignitaries, Mukhtar stated that the weak and fluctuating rainfall has affected seed germination. He explained that while some citizens managed to plant, others are still holding onto their seeds without planting them, describing the situation as a dangerous indicator. He noted that Natiga locality, along with the localities of Mershing, Al-Malem, and East Jebel Marra, are among the areas affected by climate change, explaining that the delay and fluctuation of rainfall throughout the season have led to difficulties in the agricultural process. He pointed out that the locality hosts large numbers of displaced persons, returnees, and poor families, including widows, divorced women, abandoned wives, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He indicated that several organizations have expressed their readiness to implement humanitarian interventions in the locality starting next October. Regarding the health sector, the humanitarian affairs official stated that the locality includes nine health centers and the Natiga Rural Hospital, yet these health facilities suffer from poor service delivery. He added that comprehensive reports on the status of health centers and their needs have been submitted to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), expressing hope for interventions to support health programs and services in the coming period. Regarding livestock, the official noted that the locality's livestock have not received sufficient veterinary services since the outbreak of the war, including vaccinations, care, and health monitoring. He pointed out that they have received promises from some organizations to implement interventions to support animal health services in the locality during the month of October.