Conflict, drought and funding shortfalls are compounding food insecurity in Sudan, according to a 12 October report by The Associated Press citing the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global food-security monitoring initiative.
The IPC described deteriorating conditions across greater Darfur and Kordofan, including areas previously identified as at risk of famine. It said drought linked to El Niño had affected more than half of Sudan, damaging crops and cutting household food and income. Poor crop growth affected 64% of cropland in North Darfur and about half in parts of South Darfur and Kordofan.
An IPC assessment cited in the report estimated that nearly 19.5 million people—more than 40% of Sudan’s population—faced high levels of acute food insecurity in May. About 135,000 people were classified in the most severe Phase 5 category. The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced an estimated 13 million people, according to the report.
These figures come from different reporting periods and should not be read as a single-day count. Humanitarian groups say ending the fighting and ensuring sustained aid access are necessary to prevent food insecurity and malnutrition from worsening.