Latest data shows that an estimated 7.3 million people in Sudan (16% of the population analyzed) are in high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and May (current period) and require urgent action. Of these, around 5.5 million people are classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) while around 1.8 million are critically food insecure classified in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). The most affected localities of Red Sea State (Halaib and Jubayt-el-maaadin) are classified in Emergency (IPC Phase 4). An increase in localized conflicts triggered population displacement, which, combined with the deterioration of the economy, led to higher than usual levels of acute food insecurity. As a result, the highest prevalence of population in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse are observed in North Darfur (25%), followed by West Darfur (22%), North Kordofan (20%), South Kordofan (20%), Gedarif (19%) and Central, East and South Darfur states, ranging from 17-18%.

During the first projection period (June–September 2021), which will coincide with the peak lean season, it is estimated that around 9.7 million people (21% of the population analyzed) will likely be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse. Compared to the same period of the June 2020 IPC analysis, there is a 1 percentage point increase in the prevalence of the population in Emergency and a 1 percentage point reduction in those in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). Although the total population in Crisis and Emergency has remained similar (21%), the severity has increased. There is also a noticeable deterioration (5% of the population analyzed) to worse IPC Phase classifications, mainly attributable to the impacts of the lean season, tribal conflicts, diminished labor opportunities causing low purchasing power, high food prices as well as inflation.

Urgent actions are required to save the lives and livelihoods of populations projected in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), as well as to protect the livelihoods and reduce food consumption gaps for populations estimated in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) in different localities through the current and two projection periods.

• Strengthen the coverage and capacity of basic services to ensure adequate access to essential services (health, nutrition and other social protection systems), especially in flood affected areas.
• Subsidize agriculture inputs such as seeds and fuel, and improve investments in extension services and support to protect productive assets, especially areas impacted by flooding, conflict or other shocks.
• Scale up diversified livelihood programs for improved self-reliance, resilience building and social protection for all vulnerable communities classified in IPC Phases 2, 3 and 4, with special support for reconstructing and restoring livelihood assets in areas affected by flooding.
• Protect protective and livelihood assets through appropriate conflict mitigation and prevention approaches. Develop a mechanism to facilitate seasonal animal movements, reduce destruction on farms and mitigate conflict between farmers and pastoralists.
• Reactivate trade and marketing polices and improve infrastructure that allows better trade flows across different parts of the country.
• Develop strategies to improve food systems and reduce food losses and waste.
• Strengthen and support initiatives addressing cross-cutting issues of food security and nutrition of vulnerable groups.
• Promote good nutritional practices at household level through nutrition-sensitive activities, such as home gardening and educational awareness on food and water safety.