Deadline: 27-Nov-2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a critical food security initiative in Khartoum, Sudan, to support communities affected by conflict, displacement, and extreme hunger. The program delivers life-saving food assistance, targets vulnerable populations, and integrates protection-sensitive measures to enhance nutrition, stabilize households, and foster long-term resilience.

WFP Food Security Initiative in Khartoum, Sudan

Overview

The World Food Programme (WFP) has initiated a humanitarian food security program in Khartoum, Sudan, responding to one of the world’s most severe food crises. Millions of people in Sudan face extreme hunger and malnutrition due to protracted conflict, displacement, and disrupted food systems.

This intervention combines direct food assistance, nutrition support, and protection-sensitive programming to address immediate needs while promoting long-term community resilience.

Why It Matters

Sudan’s food crisis remains acute:

• Over 21 million people—nearly half the population—face high levels of acute hunger.

• Areas such as Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan are classified in IPC Phase 5 (Famine), signaling catastrophic food insecurity.

• Malnutrition is widespread, with Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates exceeding 15% in more than 60% of surveyed localities.

• Over 448,000 children under five are enrolled in treatment programs for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), a 40% increase from the previous year.

The crisis disproportionately affects women-headed households, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable populations. Many face heightened protection risks, limited mobility, and restricted access to aid.

Program Focus Areas

1. Emergency Food Assistance

   • Provide life-saving rations to households experiencing severe food shortages

   • Prioritize vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women

2. Nutrition Interventions

   • Improve the nutritional status of at-risk populations during emergencies

   • Reduce the long-term health consequences of malnutrition

3. Protection-Sensitive Programming

   • Ensure fairness, transparency, and conflict-sensitive approaches in targeting assistance

   • Promote community dialogue, inclusive participation, and clear communication about entitlements

4. Community Resilience

   • Stabilize households facing hunger and displacement

   • Foster social cohesion and strengthen long-term food security

Implementation Strategy

• Targeted Aid Delivery: Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to identify and reach the most vulnerable populations.

• Monitoring and Assessment: Track food security, nutrition, and protection outcomes to ensure program effectiveness.

• Integrated Approach: Combine immediate food provision with nutrition education, protection measures, and community engagement.

Expected Outcomes

• Reduced hunger and improved access to nutritious food for households in Khartoum and surrounding areas

• Enhanced nutrition and health for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and other vulnerable populations

• Strengthened community resilience, social cohesion, and preparedness for future food crises

Who Benefits?

• Individuals and households experiencing severe food insecurity

• Children under five, particularly at risk of malnutrition

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Women-headed households and other marginalized or displaced populations

Tips for Effective Support

• Coordinate with local partners to ensure aid reaches those most in need

• Monitor nutritional outcomes and protection concerns continuously

• Engage communities through transparent communication and inclusive planning

FAQ

1. What is the main goal of the WFP Khartoum program?
To provide emergency food assistance, improve nutrition, and enhance resilience for populations affected by conflict and displacement.

2. Who are the primary beneficiaries?
Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, women-headed households, and other food-insecure individuals.

3. How does the program address protection concerns?
By using conflict-sensitive targeting, promoting community dialogue, and ensuring transparent aid delivery.

4. What areas are most affected by food insecurity in Sudan?
Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan are classified as IPC Phase 5 (Famine), while Khartoum, Al Jazirah, and Sennar have seen slight improvements.

5. How is malnutrition being addressed?
Through targeted interventions for children under five and at-risk populations, including treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

6. What is the impact of this program on community resilience?
By stabilizing households, improving food security, and engaging communities, the program strengthens long-term resilience against crises.

7. How is the WFP ensuring program effectiveness?
Through continuous monitoring, data collection on food security and nutrition outcomes, and close collaboration with local authorities and partners.

Conclusion

The WFP initiative in Khartoum delivers critical life-saving support, improves nutrition for vulnerable groups, and strengthens community resilience amid Sudan’s severe food crisis. By addressing immediate hunger, safeguarding health, and fostering social cohesion, this program provides both immediate relief and the foundations for long-term recovery.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.