Sudan’s food crisis is becoming an increasingly serious humanitarian and economic challenge. On 23 October 2026, more than 30 countries and the European Commission issued a joint statement warning of the worsening food security situation and calling for urgent action to avert famine. Without immediate improvements in humanitarian access and additional funding, the crisis could deteriorate further in the coming months.
According to an official statement from the UK government, an estimated 19.5 million people — 41% of Sudan’s population — are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. Around five million people are facing emergency levels of food insecurity.
There are many factors behind the crisis, some of which, particularly the armed conflict, will be extremely difficult to address. Meanwhile, disrupted supply chains, declining agricultural production and the ongoing fighting are already taking a heavy toll on Sudan’s economy.
War is disrupting Sudan’s food system
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, remains the main driver of hunger in the country. The fighting has led to mass displacement, damaged infrastructure and disrupted agriculture, trade and healthcare provision.
Agriculture is particularly vulnerable. Many Sudanese farmers cannot safely access their fields, buy the agricultural inputs they need or transport their harvests to market. This reduces food supplies and household incomes. Displacement further undermines local communities’ ability to support themselves.
Climate conditions are also making the situation worse. On 12 October, the World Health Organization, citing a warning from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), reported that drought linked to El Niño was affecting around half of Sudan. Reduced rainfall is limiting food availability, driving up prices and threatening livelihoods, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan.
Sudan’s famine risk: international warnings grow
A joint statement by more than 30 countries and the European Commission highlights the scale of international concern. The signatories issued an appeal urging the parties to the conflict to remove barriers to humanitarian aid, protect aid workers and allow supplies to be delivered across front lines and international borders. Insecurity, administrative restrictions and blocked transport routes are hampering deliveries and increasing the cost of humanitarian operations.
Neighbouring countries may also feel the effects of Sudan’s crisis, particularly through further displacement and growing humanitarian needs. The scale of these consequences will depend on how the conflict develops and how effectively the international community responds.
The most urgent priority is to prevent further deterioration in food security. The longer-term challenge is to restore the conditions that will allow people in Sudan to grow, buy and transport food. Without progress on both fronts, the humanitarian crisis will continue to undermine the foundations of the country’s future economic recovery.
