Water and Energy for Peace: Decentralized Climate-Resilient Solutions in Conflict-Affected Sudan

Nasradeen A. H. Gadallah, University of Khartoum and International Water Research Institute (Sudan)

In Sudan, protracted conflict, environmental degradation, and climate extremes have converged to create a humanitarian crisis marked by the collapse of basic services, especially clean water and reliable energy. As centralized systems deteriorate or become inaccessible due to insecurity, millions, particularly in rural and displaced communities, are left vulnerable to water scarcity, food insecurity, disease, and social unrest. These challenges are worsened by reduced humanitarian aid and political instability. This presentation explores how decentralized, low-cost, and climate-resilient technologies, particularly solar-powered water pumping systems and micro-grid energy networks, can address both water and energy shortages while supporting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions of Sudan. It draws on interdisciplinary insights from environmental management, local governance, and peace studies to examine how such systems can foster inclusion, reduce resource-based tensions, and rebuild local trust. The research emphasizes the importance of integrated water-energy planning, recognizing the strong connection between these sectors in fragile settings. It highlights case studies and community-based initiatives in Sudan that show how renewable energy can supply water for irrigation, sanitation, and drinking, even amid conflict. It also assesses the risks of disconnected interventions that overlook local governance or worsen inequality. In response to global aid reductions, this work promotes affordable, scalable solutions that combine environmental sustainability with social equity and conflict sensitivity. By engaging local cooperatives, youth, and private solar entrepreneurs, these systems can support self-reliance and long-term stability. Ultimately, this presentation argues that ensuring water and energy access through decentralized, adaptable approaches is more than a technical fix; it is a crucial foundation for environmental peacebuilding and resilience in post-conflict recovery.