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The Jubraka agricultural model
The Jubraka (plural Jabarik) in western Sudan is one of the traditional agricultural practices that form an essential part of the lives of many rural communities in the region.
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The Jubraka (plural Jabarik) in western Sudan is one of the traditional agricultural practices that form an essential part of the lives of many rural communities in the region. It is a model of household, or small-scale farming, that relies on small plots of land surrounding homes or within villages, where families grow a variety of crops to meet their food needs and support the local economy. The word Jubraka refers to small agricultural plots, where various crops such as sorghum, millet, sesame, and peanuts are cultivated, along with a variety of vegetables. The people of western Sudan, especially in regions like Darfur and Kordofan, depend on the Jubraka as one of the primary sources of food.
Women play a central role in this form of agriculture, as they are responsible for most of the work, from preparing the land and planting, to harvesting which is why the household agricultural economy in western Sudan largely depends on their efforts. Women’s work on the Jubraka is carried out while they are balancing other responsibilities within the household. This type of agricultural activities enhance the social standing of women by providing them with the ability to contribute to the food security of both the family and the local community. Moreover, the Jubraka offers women an opportunity to improve their living standards by selling surplus crops in local markets, which supports family income and enhances women's economic independence. This important role that women play not only strengthens their social status but also helps improve the level of education and healthcare within their families.
The crops grown in the Jubraka are diverse and include grains like sorghum and millet, which are the main food staples for the local population. Oilseed crops such as sesame and peanuts are also cultivated, providing essential natural oils and proteins. In addition to these, vegetables like okra, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and salad leaves are grown, adding variety to the diet and helping to improve nutrition. Moreover, the Jubraka is tied to the social and cultural values of western Sudan, representing a part of the cultural identity of local communities. The agriculture practiced in the Jubraka not only provides food but also strengthens social bonds through cooperation among family and community members in various farming activities.
Despite the significant importance of the Jubraka in western Sudan, this traditional form of agriculture has, over the years, faced numerous challenges. One of the most prominent problems is climate change, which negatively affects rainfall patterns and crop yields, leading to food shortages and increased poverty in rural areas. Additionally, the Jubraka suffers from a lack of agricultural resources such as tools and fertilizers, which limits its productivity. Previous armed conflicts in western Sudan, such as those witnessed in Darfur, have resulted in the displacement of many people and the destruction of agricultural lands, directly impacting the sustainability and continuity of Jubraka farming.
Nevertheless, this traditional economic system that relies on manual labour and utilizes available natural resources, helps ensure food security for local populations and reduces their dependence on external markets or food aid. During times of crisis, such as droughts or conflicts, the Jubraka plays a critical role in meeting the minimum food needs of families and communities. Today, and in light of the devastating ongoing war, the Jubraka model of growing vegetables and grains is being adopted across Sudan wherever land and water are available. Sudanese people on social media have shared images of their gardens, courtyards and empty plots of land being tilled in preparation to being used for agriculture. Pictures of the vegetables that have been harvested are proudly displayed representing small acts of resilience in the face of food shortages and the rocketing cost of basic commodities.
Header picture: Peanut cultivation – the beginning of the fall season and preparation for it by farmers, Alnuzul Village, White Nile state © Alfadil Hamid
Gallery pictures: Jubraka in El-Obaid, North Kordofan 2024 © Amani Basheer
The Jubraka (plural Jabarik) in western Sudan is one of the traditional agricultural practices that form an essential part of the lives of many rural communities in the region. It is a model of household, or small-scale farming, that relies on small plots of land surrounding homes or within villages, where families grow a variety of crops to meet their food needs and support the local economy. The word Jubraka refers to small agricultural plots, where various crops such as sorghum, millet, sesame, and peanuts are cultivated, along with a variety of vegetables. The people of western Sudan, especially in regions like Darfur and Kordofan, depend on the Jubraka as one of the primary sources of food.
Women play a central role in this form of agriculture, as they are responsible for most of the work, from preparing the land and planting, to harvesting which is why the household agricultural economy in western Sudan largely depends on their efforts. Women’s work on the Jubraka is carried out while they are balancing other responsibilities within the household. This type of agricultural activities enhance the social standing of women by providing them with the ability to contribute to the food security of both the family and the local community. Moreover, the Jubraka offers women an opportunity to improve their living standards by selling surplus crops in local markets, which supports family income and enhances women's economic independence. This important role that women play not only strengthens their social status but also helps improve the level of education and healthcare within their families.
The crops grown in the Jubraka are diverse and include grains like sorghum and millet, which are the main food staples for the local population. Oilseed crops such as sesame and peanuts are also cultivated, providing essential natural oils and proteins. In addition to these, vegetables like okra, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and salad leaves are grown, adding variety to the diet and helping to improve nutrition. Moreover, the Jubraka is tied to the social and cultural values of western Sudan, representing a part of the cultural identity of local communities. The agriculture practiced in the Jubraka not only provides food but also strengthens social bonds through cooperation among family and community members in various farming activities.
Despite the significant importance of the Jubraka in western Sudan, this traditional form of agriculture has, over the years, faced numerous challenges. One of the most prominent problems is climate change, which negatively affects rainfall patterns and crop yields, leading to food shortages and increased poverty in rural areas. Additionally, the Jubraka suffers from a lack of agricultural resources such as tools and fertilizers, which limits its productivity. Previous armed conflicts in western Sudan, such as those witnessed in Darfur, have resulted in the displacement of many people and the destruction of agricultural lands, directly impacting the sustainability and continuity of Jubraka farming.
Nevertheless, this traditional economic system that relies on manual labour and utilizes available natural resources, helps ensure food security for local populations and reduces their dependence on external markets or food aid. During times of crisis, such as droughts or conflicts, the Jubraka plays a critical role in meeting the minimum food needs of families and communities. Today, and in light of the devastating ongoing war, the Jubraka model of growing vegetables and grains is being adopted across Sudan wherever land and water are available. Sudanese people on social media have shared images of their gardens, courtyards and empty plots of land being tilled in preparation to being used for agriculture. Pictures of the vegetables that have been harvested are proudly displayed representing small acts of resilience in the face of food shortages and the rocketing cost of basic commodities.
Header picture: Peanut cultivation – the beginning of the fall season and preparation for it by farmers, Alnuzul Village, White Nile state © Alfadil Hamid
Gallery pictures: Jubraka in El-Obaid, North Kordofan 2024 © Amani Basheer
