What's happened
Sudan’s farming sector has warned that global fuel and fertiliser costs linked to the Iran conflict are forcing a cutback on planting. With war disrupting irrigation and banking, producers fear yields of sorghum, millet and sesame could fall, exacerbating hunger amid a broader food crisis.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Sudan’s agricultural output is at risk as input costs surge. The Reuters and The New Arab reports converge on higher diesel and fertiliser prices, with some farmers reporting costs that eat into profits and deter planting.
- The situation is compounded by active conflict and insecurity at checkpoints, which disrupts supply lines and access to inputs and markets.
- If planting declines further, Sudan could see sustained reductions in cereal production, worsening hunger in a country already facing a severe hunger crisis.
- The broader implications include potential increases in imports, higher domestic prices, and heightened vulnerability for rural livelihoods that rely on farming.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan has caused farmers to struggle with damaged irrigation, looted equipment, and limited access to credit. The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has weakened government support and infrastructure, while external shocks from the Iran crisis have driven up fuel and fertilizer prices, threatening a major portion of the country’s staple crops and exports.
Our analysis
Reuters (Tom Polansek) and The New Arab report on Sudanese farming facing higher input costs and security challenges; UN FAO and U.N. humanitarian office quotes are cited in both. Quoted lines from farmers and officials illustrate how input costs are translating into reduced planting and potential yield losses.
Go deeper
- Will Sudan’s government expand financing for inputs to sustain planting?
- What regions are most at risk this planting season?
- How might international aid adapt to this surge in input costs?
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