The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued a critical statement on Thursday, urgently calling for $75.4 million in aid to support Sudan. This amount represents approximately 80% of the funding required under the revised Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan from May to December 2023.
FAO’s representative in Sudan, Hongji Yang, emphasized the dire need for this funding. He stated, “There is an urgent need to align resources with needs, to show the people of Sudan that they are not and will not be forgotten.” He further stressed the importance of continuing agricultural support in the region.
FAO’s intervention in Sudan has been substantial. The organization distributed nearly 10,000 tons of seeds to approximately one million farming households, or around 5 million people, from June to September 2023. This support enabled farmers to produce enough food to meet the needs of an estimated 13 to 19 million people. This assistance is particularly crucial following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, which plunged nearly half of the population into a humanitarian crisis.
The total cultivated area for all crops in Sudan has decreased by 15% compared to the annual average during the summer season. FAO’s response is a direct consequence of the significant rise in food security needs, with estimates indicating that over 20 million people are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity.
Compounding the situation is the anticipated increase in the spread of animal diseases due to the lack of veterinary services and vaccines. This adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging situation in Sudan.
Looking ahead, FAO plans to reach 700,000 households with a variety of vegetable seeds for the winter season. Additionally, the organization aims to support nearly two million farming and pastoralist households between November and December 2023.
In summary, FAO’s urgent call for $75.4 million in funding for Sudan is a response to a severe humanitarian and food security crisis. The organization’s efforts in distributing seeds and planning further support for the upcoming months are critical steps in addressing the needs of millions affected by the recent conflict and ongoing challenges in the country. The international community’s response to this appeal will be vital in averting a deepening crisis in Sudan.
