Sudan faces a severe humanitarian crisis with over 7.2 million IDPs due to ongoing conflict. Our project aims to construct 4,000 transitional and climate-resilient shelters in Kassala, Gedaref, Northern, Al Jazirah, and Blue Nile states, addressing urgent housing needs and mitigating GBV risks.

We use Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSBs), an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional methods, reducing deforestation and CO2 emissions. IOM and partners will build 1,000 shelters and support IDP households to construct 3,000 more, providing materials and training.

Community-operated SSB production units will empower IDPs and promote sustainable construction. Training sessions and advocacy campaigns will highlight SSB benefits, fostering community support. This solution enhances climate resilience by providing durable shelters resistant to floods, erosion, and extreme temperatures. IOM, with extensive experience and robust operational capacity in Sudan, will lead this initiative, leveraging strong partnerships with local authorities and UN-Habitat for technical expertise.

SSB sustaibility for climate hazards

The stabilized soil block (SSB) technology is particularly suitable for addressing challenges related to floods, erosion, and extreme heat due to the following reasons:

Floods: SSB technology is effective in flood-prone areas because the blocks are more resistant to water damage compared to traditional burnt bricks. Their lower water absorption rate helps prevent deterioration during heavy rains and flooding.

Erosion: The use of stabilized soil blocks can mitigate erosion issues. The blocks, often used in combination with proper site preparation and drainage, help stabilize structures and prevent soil erosion around buildings.

Extreme Heat: SSBs offer better thermal insulation properties than conventional building materials. They help keep indoor spaces cooler in extreme heat conditions by reducing heat transfer, which is beneficial in hot climates.

The stabilized soil block (SSB) technology is particularly suitable for addressing challenges related to floods, erosion, and extreme heat due to the following reasons:

Challenges

Lack of Technological Know-How: There is a general lack of knowledge and expertise regarding the production and use of stabilized soil blocks, which can hinder their adoption and effective implementation.

Solution: Implement training programs to educate local communities and builders on SSB technology.

Unavailability of Raw Materials: The raw materials required for producing stabilized soil blocks may not be readily available in all areas, posing a significant challenge for widespread use.

Solution: Identify sources of necessary raw materials locally, ways to procure them, and educate the community. The project can also support with transporting the raw material if feasible.

Unsuitability of Local Stabilizers: Local stabilizing agents, which are crucial to produce stabilized soil blocks, may not be suitable or available, complicating the production process.

Solution: Provide the community with ample amounts of suitable stabilizers as an incentive to adopt these initiatives. Additionally, conduct research to identify and optimize the use of alternative stabilizers, such as pozzolanas, lime, and gypsum as a sustainable and long-term plan.

Special training for masons

Masons need specialized training in production, construction techniques, quality control, material testing, safety, and product inspections to effectively use stabilized soil blocks. The reference for the above: Economic Benefits of Stabilized Soil Block Technology in Sudan. (2012). First published 2012 in Nairobi by UN-Habitat. United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Available at: Link

SSBs production

According to a UN-HABITAT expert, the outcome depends on the number of pressing machines and masons, as well as whether the production process is on a fast track or a standard track. In one of the UN-HABITAT projects, the community was trained in construction and managed to build 20 units in two months. However, if the builders are skilled and experienced, the process can be even faster. The time frame for curing the blocks is 28 days.

Material lifespan

The lifespan of stabilized soil blocks (SSBs) is equivalent to that of burned bricks, exceeding 100 years.

Previous material usage

The material has already been used by UN-HABITAT in Sudan under the project titled “PROMOTING COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACHES FOR SELF-BUILT HOUSING USING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIAL SSB” as a flood response mechanism. This project focused on Khartoum, Sudan, particularly targeting informal settlements. The beneficiaries included urban displaced individuals, the homeless, and those benefiting from WASH facilities and awareness-raising campaigns. The project provided training in soil identification, testing and selection, production procedures, stabilized soil block curing processes, and field tests on stabilized soil blocks to ensure quality assurance.

The project faced several challenges, including the high cost of grade beams, maintaining quality control post-exit, and issues with scaling up and sustainability. Key lessons learned included the importance of gaining community trust, piloting, vocational training, establishing community control systems, allowing sufficient time for manufacturing and procurement of pressure machines (which are provided free of charge by UN-HABITAT HQ upon request from the UN-HABITAT Office in Nairobi), and the recommendation for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the technology for further development. The presentation for this project can be found attached to this message.