Clara Ariza, a dryland specialist and Programme Officer with ProAct Network, has recently returned from the field. She has been working on a project with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to improve livelihood prospects for people in Darfur through activities to strengthen environmental management and knowledge.

You have worked in many countries where people are faced with tough environmental conditions, but this was your first time in Darfur. What were your initial impressions of the relationship between people and their environment there?

People in Darfur understand their environment very well. Good traditional practices have been passed on from generation to generation and people know how to make effective use of the land and treat it carefully.

But they are facing more and more difficulties arising from environmental degradation. Many of those who were displaced by conflict are returning to their home to discover that the conditions today are very different from when they left. Deforestation, soil erosion and fertility loss, fires, floods and recurrent drought are just some of the things that have led to dramatic changes in certain areas, making it extremely difficult to now farm land. What's more, a lot of people lost their tools or livestock as they fled, so they simply don't have the means to farm anymore. They have to resort to activities such as cutting the few remaining trees to sell the wood. They don't want to have to do this – they know it is damaging and unsustainable in the long-term, but faced with either that or not being able to feed your children tonight, what would you do?

ProAct is developing an Environmental and Livelihood Vulnerability Mapping tool for North and South Darfur. What is the aim of this tool?

The aim is to provide detailed information on areas where people and their livelihoods are particularly vulnerable to nature-related hazards. This will allow IOM, the Government of Sudan and other agencies involved in the humanitarian operation to base decisions on more complete and reliable environmental data.

The end result will be a multi-layer atlas with information on climate, vegetation, infrastructure and natural resource-based livelihood activities. It will also detail the exposure of hazards such as fire, flooding and drought. This kind of quality information is either inexistent or difficult to obtain, but there is a real need for it because ultimately these issues underpin livelihood prospects, security and peace in the region.

So the mapping tool will help inform agencies and decision-makers, but isn't it also important for local communities to be able to take control of their situation?

Yes, it's vital. This is why we are helping communities develop their own projects to improve their livelihood prospects. With some support, they evaluate environmental problems, identify solutions and organise action plans.

Simple measures can make all the difference, for example, rain water harvesting for household use, or better co-ordination between communities to improve resource management. Villagers may also identify opportunities for environment-related investments or interventions, such as reforestation projects or the introduction of fuel-efficient stoves.

How do local people respond to what ProAct is trying to do?

We are speaking the same language. We understand their environmental issues, they understand our suggestions. We collaborate extremely well.

The other great thing is that the environment is a universal and neutral topic for them. When we're discussing it, people suddenly forget what group they belong to and start to collaborate with each other. They are very eager to share knowledge, explain problems and explore solutions. People also recognise there are no quick-fixes to deal with environmental degradation, but they will swap tips on small steps they can take, such as how to protect young trees and seedlings from animals.

What did you enjoy most about Darfur?

I loved going to the markets. What amazed me was the great diversity of food produce on sale, all the different vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits.

I also, of course, loved the people and their generosity and willingness to engage and share their experiences. There is a very entrepreneurial spirit in Darfur. People are cheerful and determined, despite all the suffering they have endured. I left feeling inspired and encouraged.