The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a stark warning regarding the imminent threat of famine in Sudan, exacerbated by a severe lack of funding.
According to the UN’s media center, the Director of FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience, Rein Paulsen, highlighted that conflict is the primary driver of the food crisis, even in regions that are relatively secure but are also on the frontlines of climate change.
Paulsen recently visited Sudan to collaborate with the local FAO office as part of a collective effort to stave off famine.
This visit is part of an inter-agency response plan aimed at addressing the food security crisis, emphasizing the specialized role of the FAO in food and agriculture, particularly during the cropping seasons.
He pointed out that the FAO has conducted assessments which show a significant decline in the production of major crops like wheat, maize, millet, and rice.
The assessment for the year 2023 reveals a 46 percent reduction in crop production nationally. Paulsen stressed that this gap cannot be bridged by food aid alone or through cash distributions.
Paulsen elaborated on the major challenges faced by the FAO, specifically funding and access. Addressing these issues is crucial for famine prevention. Currently, the FAO requires $104 million to support just over 10 million Sudanese in 2024.
Unfortunately, funding so far has fallen short, securing less than ten percent of the needed amount. Additionally, the state of food insecurity this year is worse than the previous year, indicating a dire need for immediate action to correct these critical paths.
The situation in Sudan remains precarious as farmers struggle to access their lands and the nation grapples with broader geopolitical and environmental challenges.
The FAO’s call to action underscores the urgent need for international support to prevent a full-scale famine and ensure the survival and resilience of millions in Sudan.
