The IPC reports that more than 40% of Sudan’s population—about 19.5 million people—are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity through May, with roughly 135,000 in the most dire Phase 5 (extreme hunger).

Approximately 135,000 people are in Phase 5, indicating extreme hunger, starvation, and very high malnutrition leading to death from disease or acute malnutrition.

The IPC notes that the country is in its fourth year of conflict as hunger worsens for a large portion of the population.

Key crops like sorghum, millet, and sesame are at risk as farmers switch to cheaper, less fertilizer-dependent crops or scale back cultivation to manage risk.

Farmers face an expensive planting season due to higher costs for fertilizer, fuel, and diesel tied to the broader Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions.

Fuel prices in the Gulf region, a major transit route for Sudan’s fertilizer, have risen about 30%, boosting agricultural costs.

Fuel surcharges are driving up irrigation, pumping, and transport costs, contributing to higher overall food prices in Sudan.

The humanitarian situation is deteriorating as currency depreciation and disrupted supply chains delay WFP assistance and increase travel distances for aid shipments.

Remote regions like Kordofan, White Nile, Darfur, and Blue Nile face harsher living conditions, with harder access to agricultural zones and greater exposure to shocks.

Last year, famine was confirmed in el-Fasher and Kadugli, highlighting localized famine despite the IPC’s overall status.

Experts warn that higher costs reduce planting and yields, worsening hunger in a country already enduring three years of war and widespread food insecurity.

No area is currently in famine, but 14 areas across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan are at risk if conflict worsens or access and health services deteriorate.