GEDAREF, Sudan: The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has deeply impacted the nation’s agriculture, particularly in Gedaref state, a critical region for food production.
Farmers like Ahmed Othman have been forced to sell assets, including vehicles, to cover essential costs like fuel and labor due to soaring production expenses and financial instability according to Arab media.
Cash shortages from looted banks in Khartoum have further limited access to funds, complicating the ability of farmers to maintain and harvest their crops.
Additionally, labor shortages have intensified as the conflict restricts movement across states, leaving Gedaref farmers with only a fraction of the usual workforce. Many of the seasonal workers, typically from nearby regions like Blue Nile and Kordofan, are now unable to travel, leading to reliance on local labor and Ethiopian refugees, which has significantly driven up wages. This reduction in manpower and delayed harvesting are jeopardizing crop quality and output.
With roughly 9 million acres planted this season—less than half the pre-war average—the threat of a worsening hunger crisis looms over Sudan. Aid restrictions further complicate the situation, making it increasingly challenging to deliver necessary resources to those facing food insecurity across the country.
