News in Brief:
– Cereal production in Sudan plummets by over 40%, exacerbating hunger crisis among 18 million people, with 5 million facing catastrophic food insecurity.
– The country is in need of timely interventions as FAO highlights the pivotal role of agriculture in recovery.
A recent report by the Food and Agricultural Organzation (FAO) shows cereal production in Sudan has plummeted by over 40%, worsening the country’s hunger woes.
The dire situation stems from the conflict that erupted in April 2023, severely impacting the production of staple cereals like sorghum, millet, and wheat. With an estimated 4.1 million tonnes harvested in 2023, production nosedived by 46% compared to the previous year and dipped 40% below the average of the preceding five years.
Rein Paulsen, Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience, emphasised the pressing need for urgent agricultural support ahead of the looming planting season, scheduled to commence in June. Paulsen, currently assessing the food security situation in Sudan, stressed the critical role of FAO interventions amidst escalating hunger.
Approximately 18 million Sudanese are grappling with acute food insecurity, with nearly 5 million teetering on the brink of catastrophic levels. Regions marred by intense conflict, such as Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan, along with Khartoum State, bear the brunt of this crisis.
The organisation is focused on providing seeds and equipment to enable local farmers to cultivate staple cereals and sustain livestock. Ensuring animal health is also paramount, as the livestock sector contributes over 60% to the agricultural sector’s value added.
However, FAO’s Emergency Plan for Sudan in 2024, budgeted at $104 million, remains severely underfunded.
FAO claims to have reached one million farming households, equating to five million farmers, with crucial seed support between July and September 2023. This timely delivery of seeds, despite logistical hurdles, underscores its commitment to supporting vulnerable farmers amidst conflict.
