The Sudan: FAO calls for right to foods on World Food Day amid soaring hunger crisis
16 October 2024, Port Sudan – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joins the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in celebrating World Food Day, urging immediate action to transform the right to foods into a tangible reality for the people of Sudan and worldwide.
This year, World Food Day is observed globally, and in the Sudan, under the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.” A timely reminder that access to adequate food is a fundamental human right – on par with air and water. Yet, a staggering 733 million people worldwide still face hunger, and over 2.8 billion can’t afford a healthy diet.
In the Sudan, the hunger crisis is growing by the day as the conflict continues, with over half the population–25.6 million people–facing high levels of food insecurity. Heavy rains and widespread flooding are further compounding the crisis, disrupting food production and jeopardizing livelihoods.
Addressing challenges demands collective action
In the face of the persisting conflict and growing humanitarian needs, collaboration across all sectors is crucial. Farmers, governments, humanitarians, the private sector, civil society, and individuals must come together to address the lack of access to food.
Everyone has a role to play in building a future where everyone enjoys the right to food. Whether by challenging inequality, speaking up about hunger, engaging decision-makers, making healthier food choices, reducing food waste, protecting natural resources, and being compassionate in our actions.
“The hunger crisis in Sudan is escalating dramatically, and we cannot afford to stand by. We must take collective action now,” said Hongjie Yang, FAO Representative in Sudan. “It is essential that we engage and secure a better future for youth, as a food-secure future is not just a necessity – it's their fundamental right.”
FAO’s response
FAO is working tirelessly to make the right to food a reality in the Sudan, even in the face of immense challenges. FAO teams across the country are working around the clock to deliver urgently needed assistance to millions across the country, especially those in the hardest-hit areas.
Since early-June, FAO, with the support of its resource and implementing partners, has distributed more than 5 000 tonnes of vital crop and vegetable seeds to over 500 000 vulnerable households, 2 500 000 people, in 11 states (Al Jazirah, East Darfur, Sennar, White Nile, Northern State, North Kordofan, Gedaref, Kassala, River Nile, Red Sea and Blue Nile).
FAO’s response also includes large-scale livestock and fisheries support, which involves providing households with emergency livestock and fisheries supplies, animal restocking, livestock vaccination and treatment, and mineral licks to feed livestock. In 2024, so far, FAO and its partners have successfully vaccinated almost 2.8 million animals against common livestock diseases, reaching nearly 558 000 agro/pastoral households.
Celebrating World Food Day this year is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that guarantee everyone’s right to nutritious foods. Together, we can get back on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by transforming agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.