Geospatial information for sustainable food systems

Geospatial assessment of cultivated cropland extent in the Sudan

Year published: 21/11/2023

The Sudan, a vast Sahelian nation in northeastern Africa, heavily relies on its agriculture sector, supporting the livelihoods of 60–80 percent of its population. However, the recent armed conflict that began in mid-April 2023 has significantly impacted agricultural cultivation, exacerbating the existing food insecurity situation in the country. To address these challenges, a geospatial assessment was undertaken to estimate the extent of cultivated cropland during the summer cropping season (July to September 2023) in comparison to the previous 5-year average (2018 to 2022). This assessment aims to provide insights into the conflict's potential impact on agricultural cultivation and facilitate decision-making to manage both immediate and long-term food security challenges. This technical report outlines the methodology, data, and key findings for July, August and September 2023.