The IPC report released yesterday sounds loud alarm bells that Sudan is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded in the country, precipitated by fourteen months of fighting.

More than 25 million people - over half the population - face acute food insecurity, with 18 percent (8.5 million people) in emergency Phase, facing the risk of famine.

Those stark numbers corroborate the findings of a comprehensive survey of over 4,500 rural households across Sudan, that we released in April 2024 with the International Food Policy Research Institute – to ensure coordinated planning of humanitarian and development action to address the escalating crisis in Sudan.

Immediate humanitarian and food assistance for people facing severe food insecurity and income loss is a priority but must be complemented by additional support to prevent the looming famine.

Urgent support to agricultural livelihoods is also critical, including rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and providing farmers with access to subsidized seeds and fertilizers, as well as setting up rapid training programs on resilient farming practices.

Also vital for economic recovery and food security is restoring the ability of markets to function, including reconstructing market infrastructure, establishing secure trade corridors, and supporting local traders and small businesses to resume operations.

Such solutions are possible to pursue today in areas in Sudan where conditions on the ground allow. 

Ultimately, achieving peace by ending the war is the key to preventing further human suffering, loss and starvation in Sudan.