UN Warns of Looming Famine in Sudan as Conflict and Climate Shocks Drive Acute Food Insecurity

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of a looming famine in Sudan, urging immediate support for vulnerable farmers and herders before the main grain planting season begins in a few weeks. Rein Paulsen, the Director of the FAO's Office of Emergencies and Resilience, emphasized that there is a narrow window of opportunity to address the crisis, as conflict and climate shocks have driven acute food insecurity for millions in Sudan.

The food security situation in Sudan is deeply concerning, with 18 million people going hungry. Paulsen noted that a 46% reduction in key crop production nationally cannot be made up with just food assistance, and it is vital to support vulnerable farmers and farming communities to restart or bolster their production. FAO has a three-pronged strategy to address the crisis, focusing on supporting crops for the upcoming season, providing emergency fodder and vaccinations for livestock, and delivering a multi-sectoral response.

Why this matters: The dire humanitarian situation in Sudan threatens to unleash a widespread famine, with millions of lives at risk. Urgent action is needed to support vulnerable farmers and herders, facilitate humanitarian relief, and secure an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.

However, FAO faces severe funding shortfalls, with less than 10% of the $104 million required to support over 10 million Sudanese people in 2024. "We have a window of opportunity right now to address the crisis, as the main planting season is just weeks away," Paulsen stressed. He also highlighted the challenges of safe access, which need to be addressed to prevent famine.

The year-long conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to widespread displacement, violations of international humanitarian law, and a surge in sexual violence against women and girls. The violence poses an extreme and immediate danger to the 800,000 civilians residing in El Fasher, and risks triggering further violence in other parts of Darfur, where more than 9 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

UN and African Union officials have called for urgent action to end the hostilities and foster inclusive and effective international mediation. The international community pledged over €2 billion in aid at a recent humanitarian conference in Paris, but emphasized that the crisis can only be solved if Sudanese people are given the means to rebuild and produce their own food again. Rein Paulsen visited farming communities facing a precarious reality due to conflict and climate dynamics, but saw potential for impactful, life-saving work even in these challenging environments.

Key Takeaways

• FAO warns of looming famine in Sudan, urging immediate support for vulnerable farmers.
• 18 million Sudanese people face hunger, with 46% reduction in crop production nationally.
• Conflict and climate shocks have driven acute food insecurity, requiring multi-sectoral response.
• FAO faces severe funding shortfalls, with less than 10% of $104M required for 2024 aid.
• Year-long conflict between army and RSF has led to displacement, violence, and humanitarian crisis.