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| Photo by Yusuf Yassir on Unsplash |
Sudan is facing a devastating hunger crisis as the number of people suffering from acute food insecurity has nearly doubled, reaching over 20 million individuals. The situation is exacerbated by armed conflict and a struggling economy, leaving 42% of Sudan's population without adequate access to food.
The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a warning, highlighting that the East African country is in a state of chaos with ongoing battles in Khartoum and other urban areas. The number of people experiencing acute food insecurity has surged, almost doubling in comparison to the previous year.
The regions most severely impacted by the conflicts between rival generals, which began in April, include Khartoum, South and West Kordofan, as well as Central, East, South, and West Darfur. Half of the population in these areas is suffering from acute hunger.
Even before the latest conflict, Sudan was already grappling with high levels of hunger, with a record number of people - approximately one-third of the population - facing food insecurity.
Recognizing the devastating link between armed conflict and food insecurity, the United Nations Security Council adopted a presidential statement urging for efforts to break the vicious cycle. Armed conflict is identified as the primary cause of acute food insecurity affecting 117 million people in 19 countries and territories, leading to malnutrition and stunted growth in 148 million children under the age of five.
During a debate on famine and conflict-induced hunger, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who chaired the council session, emphasized the importance of stopping conflict-related hunger. He also announced the United States' commitment to provide $362 million in aid to reduce hunger in Haiti and 11 African countries, in addition to the substantial assistance already provided since January 2021 for famine and food insecurity relief worldwide.
The impact of the crisis on Sudan's agriculture has been severe, with many farmers facing immense challenges due to the conflict. The FAO is stepping in to support over 1 million farmers, aiming to produce enough food for the Sudanese people. However, the organization faces a funding shortfall of $65 million to provide necessary supplies and training to 6.3 million vulnerable individuals.
Agriculture is seen as a lifeline in this situation, and FAO representatives in Sudan stress the critical importance of supporting farming communities during this challenging period. U.N. agencies, along with support from several countries, are working to provide essential seeds and supplies to hundreds of thousands of farming households, with the goal of reaching one million households ahead of the planting season. This effort aims to produce enough cereal to feed 19 million people for a year, but more funding is needed to achieve this target and alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese people.
Summarised from the original article by: AreteNews.com
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