Sudan is currently facing an unprecedented food security crisis, reaching historically severe levels, according to United Nations classifications. One manifestation of this crisis is the famine affecting more than 500,000 residents of the Zamzam Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp near the city of El Fasher in North Darfur.
According to a report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the risk of famine persists at alarmingly high levels. The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) headed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has spread across most of the country's states. This war has displaced millions of Sudanese, both internally and externally, and resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries.
In an effort to assess the humanitarian situation, FAO's Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, AbdulHakim Elwaer, visited Sudan last week. He described the rapid deterioration of food security as highly concerning, noting that FAO is working on all fronts to secure continued support and fill funding gaps for food relief activities in the country.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Elwaer pointed out that, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report from June 2023, over half of Sudan’s population, approximately 25.6 million people, are experiencing crisis-level food insecurity or worse (Phase 3 or above). Of these, 8.5 million people are in emergency conditions (Phase 4), marking the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded in the country.
Elwaer specifically highlighted the dire situation in the Zamzam IDP camp, which hosts more than 500,000 people near El Fasher. The camp has been classified under famine conditions (Phase 5) since June 2024, with the situation expected to persist until at least October 2024. Moreover, for the first time in Sudan's history, 755,000 people are facing catastrophic hunger (Phase 5) across 10 states, including Khartoum and Gezira, once known as Sudan’s breadbasket.
Elwaer emphasized that while FAO is working to provide timely agricultural aid across the country, immediate and concerted efforts from all stakeholders are crucial to address the root causes of the famine. He stressed the importance of ending hostilities, as wars and conflicts remain the primary drivers of food insecurity, not only in Sudan but globally.
Sudan’s current crisis is further exacerbated by extreme climatic conditions, including floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, which challenge sustainable agricultural and livestock practices. The conflict, combined with these environmental challenges, severely hampers emergency response efforts across the country, the UN official told Asharq Al-Awsat.
He continued that FAO is actively working to support Sudanese farmers, distributing seeds to 1.2 million farming households for the main agricultural season that began in June 2024. The organization aims to reach 6 million farmers nationwide, with the goal of producing between 2.4 and 3.6 million tons of sorghum if the seed distribution campaign proceeds as planned. However, these efforts are continually threatened by the ongoing conflict and worsening climate conditions.
Elwaer concluded that every dollar invested in rural livelihoods could save up to seven to eight dollars in humanitarian aid while supporting local markets. While expanding emergency food and cash aid is essential, it will not be enough to address the shortfalls caused by declining domestic food production, which is why agricultural support is crucial.
