Wheat production soars in war-torn Sudan amid looming hunger crisis
June 12, 2024 (PORT SUDAN/NAIROBI) – A joint initiative between the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has led to a remarkable 70% increase in wheat production across five Sudanese states. This achievement comes as a beacon of hope in the face of the country’s escalating hunger crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and disrupted agricultural seasons.
The AfDB-funded Sudan Emergency Wheat Production Project, a $75 million investment, has become a lifeline for the nation, yielding 645,000 metric tons of wheat this year. This yield represents 22% of Sudan’s total wheat consumption needs and has significantly bolstered food security, particularly for internally displaced persons (IDPs), who constitute over 30% of beneficiaries in the Northern State.
“This project became the heart of production in Sudan’s critical moment,” stated Ms. Mary Monyau, AfDB’s Country Manager for Sudan. “It not only provided food security but also served as a crucial crisis response intervention for IDPs.”
The project’s success is attributed to the distribution of climate-adapted wheat seeds and fertilizers to over 170,000 smallholder farmers in relatively stable regions and conflict-affected areas. Notably, around 16,000 of these farmers were newly displaced by conflict, highlighting the project’s dual role in boosting agricultural productivity and supporting livelihood reconstruction.
Farmers have reported a 44% increase in productivity per hectare compared to the previous season, thanks to the project’s support. Additionally, the provision of 12 harvester machines to farmers’ associations in the River Nile and Northern states has enhanced harvesting efficiency and reduced crop losses.
“The ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan’s agriculture,” remarked Mr. Eddie Rowe of the WFP. “Thanks to the African Development Bank’s funding, we were able to mitigate some of the war’s impact on wheat production.”
Despite this success, Sudan remains on the brink of an unprecedented hunger catastrophe, with estimates suggesting over 2 million people are at risk of extreme food insecurity. Investments in agricultural productivity like this project are crucial for increasing food availability and mitigating the devastating effects of conflict and hunger in the country.
The African Development Bank’s $75 million investment over two years underscores the urgency and importance of such initiatives in bolstering Sudan’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.