Lifesaving emergency Food Crisis Response to conflict-affected populations in Sirba and Geneina localities, West Darfur, Sudan ltpgtParalyzed for a year by widespread clashes between opposing parties - resulting in large-scale displacements - Sudan is now on the brink of a famine crisis. As the lean season approaches, all indicators point toward a potentially catastrophic situation, especially in the Darfurs where over 1.2 million children under 5 are suffering from acute malnutrition, with 218,000 of them facing severe acute malnutrition (SAM) (UNICEF, Nov. 2023). West Darfur is among the most affected states, and particularly Geneina and Sirba localities whose populations, already in IPC 4, are likely to slip into IPC 5 if no appropriate action is taken. ltbrgtGiven this context, SI partnered with TGH, TDO and DCD to implement an integrated project aimed at providing life-sustaining support to the most vulnerable households to recover their livelihoods and increase their access to food and life-saving services for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition. ltbrgtTo that end, the project follows a two-fold area-based programming strategy targeting Sirba and Geneina localities in West Darfur:ltbrgt	Food Security and Livelihood support reaching 38,000 direct beneficiaries.ltbrgtUnder this pillar, SI, TGH and TDO aim at providing time-critical certified seeds and tools support in view of the forthcoming rainy season. TGH and TDO will provide agricultural assistance (cereal seeds, vegetable seeds, tools training). In such a context of famine-like hunger and to prevent households from selling or eating the distributed seeds and tools to address short-term survival needs (food), SI will provide cash for seeds and livelihood protection to the most vulnerable households. Besides, TDO will help with the treatment of households’ livestock animals through mobile-based veterinary service. Also, to strengthen rangeland rehabilitation and improve pasture management, TDO will support nomadic communities with training programs on natural resource management and grass seed propagation techniques.ltbrgt	Nutrition: reaching 10,880 direct beneficiaries ltbrgtTo complement the FSL activities, DCD and SI will also conduct community-centered nutrition actions targeting households with members suffering or at risk of malnutrition. Together, DCD and SI will train and supervise community volunteers to do community level malnutrition screening through Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement and make referrals to relevant nutrition facilities. In the same vein, a solid community network of trained and skilled stakeholders will be set up. Key actors such as Community Health Workers, Community Midwives, Mothers of SAM children, etc., will be trained and supported to ensure, among others, early case identification and referrals. At the same time, DCD volunteers will conduct awareness sessions in communities on good food, nutrition, and disease prevention hygiene practices. Mother Support Groups will also be formed in each area to share and promote good Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. Finally, DCD will support 2 Outpatient therapeutic program in Geneina under the current project. Following the health facility mapping that will be carried out at the beginning of the project, SI and DCD will be able to make proper referrals and to cover the costs of the most vulnerable families.ltbrgtThe project has been designed to integrate a strong conflict- and gender-sensitive approach.ltbrgtAs a result, the provision of integrated FSL and Nutrition activities, and more particularly live-saving livelihood support and Community Management of Acute Malnutrition, in the same affected areas, will contribute to reducing food insecurity related morbidity and mortality.ltbrgtThe Consortium expects to provide life-sustaining assistance to 38,880 vulnerable people.ltbrgtlt/pgt