Innovative Farming in Abyei: A Peacekeeping Success Story

Abyei, a region embroiled in conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, faces extreme climatic conditions. The dry season brings sweltering temperatures nearing 40°C, along with increased sunlight and very little humidity, contributing to poor soil quality.

Upon their arrival in Abyei for peacekeeping duties, Vietnam’s Engineering Unit No. 3 prioritized food production. Their goal was to enhance their meals and boost morale while also ensuring their health and wellbeing.

Despite the tough environment, which made agriculture challenging, the Vietnamese soldiers tackled the difficulties head-on with innovative farming practices.

They imported seeds from Vietnam, selecting varieties that could withstand drought, including water spinach, Malabar spinach, mustard greens, tomatoes, pumpkins, and gourds.

A structured farming area was established, where treated wastewater was utilized alongside modern agricultural techniques to enhance crop yields.

To enrich the soil, they composted organic waste and local livestock manure. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, they developed natural pest deterrents from crushed chili, garlic, onions, and citrus peels.

Captain Tran Ngoc Son, overseeing the farming initiative, explained the challenges posed by the area’s clay-rich soil, which is nutrient-deficient. During rainy times, the soil hardens around plant roots, while it becomes dense and compact during the dry season—impeding plant growth.

To mitigate these issues, the team constructed protective structures for crops against severe weather. They also mixed in chopped soft-stemmed plants into the soil to improve its aeration and fertility.

As dry-season flora withered, pests like fruit flies and beetles sought out the remaining fruit-bearing plants, attacking them as they began to flower. The soldiers not only employed natural pesticides but also set nets and plastic bags to safeguard emerging fruits.

Water conservation was addressed through intercropping and crop rotation, which allowed for the simultaneous growth of both short-term and long-term crops, optimizing land usage and reducing disease susceptibility.

The fresh vegetables produced from their gardens have drastically enhanced the quality of meals, diminishing the need for imported food. The farming initiative has also fostered discipline, collaboration, and resilience among the soldiers, motivating them to execute their international peacekeeping responsibilities diligently.

The success of the farming project at Highway Base stands out, turning it into a sustainable agriculture model within Abyei. The once barren landscape now showcases vibrant green vegetable patches, transforming the area.

The efforts of these Vietnamese military engineers reflect their tenacity, adaptability, and resourcefulness. They have not only fulfilled their peacekeeping objectives but have also revitalized a previously desolate land. Their achievements embody the unwavering spirit of Vietnamese soldiers who confront challenges, regardless of their assignment location.

Abyei continues to be a contested area between Sudan and South Sudan. In 2011, both nations agreed to withdraw military presence from the demilitarized zone and to create a joint mechanism to address the ongoing dispute; however, advancements remain sluggish.

Vietnam’s Engineering Unit No. 3 comprises 184 personnel participating in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) peacekeeping mission.