Sudan is grappling with an unprecedented food crisis as over half its population faces acute food insecurity. The war, ongoing for over a year and a half, has exacerbated the situation, leading to famine in multiple areas. Experts warn of a food deficit that could rise from 750,000 metric tons this year to 1.9 million metric tons next year. With no resolution to the conflict in sight, the situation is expected to deteriorate further.
Local food production, which traditionally serves as the primary source of sustenance for most Sudanese, has been severely disrupted. While humanitarian aid struggles to reach those in need, the war has rendered large parts of the country inaccessible to farming. Despite these challenges, some regions in the North and East have managed to expand cultivation areas during the summer season. This expansion is largely driven by the influx of refugees and the growing demand for food and income. However, these efforts face significant challenges that threaten both current and future harvests.
Farmers in safer regions are attempting to maintain agricultural activities, but the lack of affordable, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals undermines their efforts. The war has disrupted the agricultural input supply chain, creating severe shortages and price spikes. Without timely access to these inputs, farmers cannot maximize yields, further deepening the food crisis.
This study explores the workings of Sudan’s agricultural input supply markets and provides insights into how they have been affected by the ongoing conflict. It examines the availability and accessibility of key agricultural inputs seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals and highlights the adaptive strategies employed by supply chain actors to cope with the war’s impact.
Before the conflict, Sudan’s agricultural input supply market was characterized by a mix of public and private sector involvement. Farmers relied on both local production and imports to meet their input needs. The private sector played a crucial role in distributing seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals to farmers across the country. However, the war has disrupted these supply chains, with insecurity, logistical challenges, and economic instability creating significant barriers.
Key agricultural inputs have become increasingly scarce. Seeds, particularly those for staple crops like sorghum and millet, are in short supply. Fertilizers and agrochemicals, essential for improving soil fertility and protecting crops, have also become prohibitively expensive. Many supply chain actors have been forced to halt operations due to the risks and costs associated with the conflict.
Despite these challenges, some actors have adapted to the new realities. Farmers in safer regions have turned to informal networks to access inputs, while local businesses have sought alternative supply routes to meet demand. These efforts, while commendable, are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
To mitigate the unfolding famine, it is essential to improve the availability and accessibility of agricultural inputs. Donors, UN agencies, and NGOs must work closely with Sudanese private sector actors to facilitate the timely provision of seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. This collaboration should include efforts to deliver inputs across conflict lines in a conflict-sensitive manner to ensure equitable distribution.
Proposed interventions include supporting local seed production to reduce reliance on imports, subsidizing fertilizers and agrochemicals to make them affordable for farmers, and strengthening informal networks to improve input distribution. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives for local businesses and farmers can enhance resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Improving agricultural input supply is not only critical for addressing immediate food insecurity but also for laying the foundation for long-term recovery. By enabling farmers to grow more food, these interventions can help stabilize local food production, reduce dependence on humanitarian aid, and provide livelihoods for millions of Sudanese.
The war in Sudan has created an unprecedented challenge for the country’s agricultural sector. However, with targeted and coordinated efforts, it is possible to mitigate the impact of the conflict on food security. Addressing the urgent need for agricultural inputs is a crucial step in this direction, offering a lifeline to millions at risk of starvation.
