Farmers in Sudan are grappling with a new challenge as the ongoing conflict in Iran drives up global fuel and fertilizer prices. This development threatens to further destabilize food production in a country already suffering from acute hunger due to its own internal conflicts.

Impact on Local Agriculture

Sudan’s reliance on the Gulf for more than half of its fertilizer needs, coupled with its dependency on fuel imports, makes it particularly vulnerable to the ripple effects of the Iran crisis. The situation is compounded by the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has severely disrupted agricultural activities.

Farmers from various regions in Sudan report that the increased costs of essential farming inputs are forcing them to reduce planting. This is particularly concerning for staple crops like sorghum and millet, as well as export products such as sesame. According to the U.N., about 19.5 million people in Sudan are facing crisis levels of hunger, with some areas at risk of famine.

Challenges and Responses

The conflict has left the agricultural sector in disarray, with many farmers unable to afford the inflated prices of fuel and fertilizer. In southern Omdurman, for instance, the Jamuia scheme farmers are struggling to make a profit due to the doubling of diesel prices, which are crucial for irrigation pumps.

Despite the RSF’s withdrawal from certain areas, farmers like Mohamed Balla from the Gezira scheme express frustration over the lack of governmental support. The state-backed Agricultural Bank, meant to assist farmers financially, has been hampered by the conflict, leading to high input costs and low product prices.

Security and Infrastructure Concerns

In regions like Kordofan and Darfur, lawlessness continues to threaten agricultural production. Farmers report that machinery is often looted, and there is a lack of security and funding. The RSF and other groups are accused of extorting money at checkpoints, further complicating the situation for displaced farmers.

The Sudanese government, through the Agriculture Ministry, is attempting to address these challenges by creating a new fund to finance agricultural inputs and rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen as the country navigates this complex crisis.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.