The Struggle for Survival in Sudan
In a country where conflict and scarcity have become the norm, the phrase "necessity is the mother of invention" has never been more relevant. Over half of Sudan’s population—25 million people—is currently facing acute hunger, with malnutrition rates among children in conflict zones reaching alarming levels. According to the United Nations, over 40,000 children were admitted for treatment for severe acute malnutrition in North Darfur State within the first five months of 2025, a number that has doubled compared to the same period last year. The World Food Programme (WFP) has struggled to deliver aid to areas like El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been under siege for over a year.
Despite these dire conditions, Sudanese communities are finding innovative ways to combat malnutrition and keep their children alive. One such solution has emerged from an unlikely source: okra flour, also known as “weyka.” This traditional ingredient has become a crucial part of many families’ diets, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Zeinab’s Recipe: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
Zeinab Omar, a 28-year-old mother from Omdurman, recalls how her family survived during the siege of the Al-Fateh neighborhood. For years, she had dried okra slices and stored them in plastic bags, a practice she inherited from her mother. At first, her husband was skeptical, but as the siege intensified and supplies dwindled, the weyka became a vital resource.
“During the siege, we relied on the okra we had stored and the fish my husband caught,” Zeinab explains. In Umm Dafso, an open market that has managed to survive despite constant bombardments, she witnessed the skyrocketing prices of essential items. A kilogram of corn flour, once priced at around 1,600 Sudanese Pounds, now costs 30,000 Sudanese Pounds.
Today, Zeinab’s two children are healthy and active, a testament to the resilience of her family and the power of simple, locally available ingredients. Her husband now brings home okra whenever he leaves the house, a small but significant shift in their daily routine.
Community Food Adaptation: A Traditional Solution
Dr. Mamoun Abdelhalim, a former pediatrician and therapeutic nutritionist, highlights the importance of using locally available resources in times of crisis. He notes that while traditional foods like weyka do not treat severe malnutrition, they can help improve digestion, boost immunity, and replace essential nutrients.
“This is what I call ‘community food adaptation,’” Dr. Abdelhalim explains. “In isolated environments where medical supplies are limited, we need to rely on what is already available.” He emphasizes that combining weyka with protein sources like lentils or fish can create a life-saving meal for children suffering from malnutrition.
Scientific Backing for a Traditional Remedy
Amna, a nutritionist working with a volunteer initiative, has developed recipes that mimic the nutritional value of imported therapeutic foods. She uses dried okra, milk, ground sesame, and a little sugar to create meals that support children with mild or moderate malnutrition.
“Weyka is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants,” Amna explains. “When combined with other ingredients, it becomes a complete meal suitable for children.” However, she cautions against adding salt to meals for children under one year old and stresses that these recipes are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Okra Cultivation: A Sustainable Path Forward
For weyka to remain a viable solution, the availability of okra must be ensured. Hisham Mohammed Bala, a farmer and pesticide dealer in Ad-Damar, believes that cultivating okra could be a game-changer. He points out that okra is a highly productive crop that can be harvested year-round, with one acre producing between 3 to 6 tonnes depending on the variety and planting date.
However, challenges such as pests like whiteflies and Egyptian thorny worms threaten its success. Despite this, Hisham believes that humanitarian organizations and local authorities should invest in okra cultivation as a long-term solution to food insecurity.
“If there were an entity that adopted this idea and implemented it scientifically, we could transform weyka into a real therapeutic food,” he says. “The resources are available, the soil is suitable, and the farmers are ready.”
Conclusion: Innovation in the Face of Adversity
In the midst of war and economic collapse, Sudanese communities are proving that innovation can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. From drying okra to creating nutritious meals, families are adapting to survive. With the right support, these grassroots efforts could evolve into sustainable solutions that save lives and build resilience for future generations.