Conflict and economic decline have driven about 20.3 million people across Sudan (over 42 percent of the country’s population) into high levels of acute food insecurity, classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) between July and September 2023. Of those, 14 million people (29 percent of the population) are under in IPC Phase 3, Crisis, and almost 6.3 million people (13 percent of the population) are experiencing worse conditions in IPC Phase 4, Emergency.

The most highly food insecure populations are in locations and states with active conflict, including West Darfur (where 62 percent of the population is highly food insecure), Khartoum and South Kordofan (56 percent of the population in IPC Phase 3 or above in these states), the Central Darfur, the East and the South Darfur as well as West Kordofan (53 percent of the population is in IPC Phase 3 or above in these states).

The ongoing conflict in Sudan that erupted on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is deepening the humanitarian crisis and worsening the food security situations of the people in several urban and rural areas. The escalation of violence in Khartoum, Greater Darfur, and Greater Kordofan has triggered the large-scale displacement of 2.6 million people across all states of Sudan - forcing 757,230 people to flee to neighbouring countries.

The conflict has also resulted in critical damage and destruction to infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, power and water sources and telecommunications. Wide looting of markets, banks, industries and public buildings led to an increased shortage of essential services, food and non-food items across the country, further aggravating the fragile food insecurity and malnutrition. The price of food and essential commodities has soared, limiting access to the market for the population. According to reports from numerous states, including those unaffected by the ongoing fighting, the conflict between SAF and RSF in Sudan is endangering the production of staple crops this year

During the projection period of October 2023 to February 2024, around 15 million people (the highest ever recorded figure coinciding with Sudan’s harvesting season) are likely to face IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) conditions. This includes more than 3.8 million people likely to be in Phase 4 and 11.2 million people likely to be in Phase 3. Out of the 15 million people in IPC Phase 3 or above, 60 percent are in Greater Darfur, Greater Kordofan and Khartoum State, with the highest caseload of Phase 3 and 4 in these regions. Greater Darfur alone represents 29 percent of the total population in Phase 3 or above out of the total 60 percent. Across all the states, around eight localities from the Greater Darfur are classified in Phase 4. While we expect some improvements from production, most localities will still be Phase 3 in the projected period.

De-escalation of conflict: The parties to the conflict in Sudan must engage in peacebuilding and negotiation to stop the devastating conflict and allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians – especially those most in need. This should be impartial and conducted without any adverse distinction, subject to their right of control.

Lifesaving humanitarian response: Urgent and timely scaling-up of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance is required to save livesand prevent the total deterioration of livelihoods in IPC Phase 3 or above. Humanitarian interventions are urgently needed for vulnerable communities in the country, with a particular focus on the IDPs and refugees.

Livelihood support: Urgent scale-up of agricultural production and productivity by providing inputs to small scale farmers andhearding communities to face immediate needs, while continuing efforts to enhance resilience to climate change and find sustainable solutions to the increasing competition over natural resources.

Expand access to health services: Scale-up and improve access to basic services, social support and medical requirements, including WASH and health service delivery throughout the year. This should also include emergency nutrition, especially during the lean season.

Social protection programs: Scale-up social protection programs targeting the most vulnerable households through Social Protection Register, home gardening and small animals rearing, to improve nutrition and livelihood conditions.