Call for Expression of Interest: 2026 Food Security Targeting in Al Gezeira (Sudan)

Deadline: 07-Mar-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a 2026 Targeting Call for Proposal in Al Gezira, Sudan, to strengthen transparent and evidence-based beneficiary selection amid severe food insecurity. With 24.6 million people facing IPC Phase 3 and above levels of food insecurity, WFP is seeking partners to improve targeting accuracy, accountability, and community trust. The initiative aims to ensure limited food and cash assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations fairly and effectively.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting proposals from qualified partners to support rigorous and transparent targeting processes in Al Gezira, Sudan.

The objective is to improve how beneficiaries are identified and selected for humanitarian assistance, including food and cash support, during a deepening food security crisis.

Humanitarian Context in Sudan

Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe food security crises, intensified by the conflict that began in April 2023.

According to the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released in December 2024:

• 24.6 million people (51% of the population) are in IPC Phase 3 and above

• 637,000 people are in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe)

• 8.1 million people are in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency)

• 14 million people are in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis)

These figures apply to the December 2024 to May 2025 period.

Confirmed Famine Conditions

The Famine Review Committee has confirmed famine conditions in ten areas, including:

North Darfur

• Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al Salam IDP camps in El Fasher

• Um Kadadah

• Melit

• At Tawisha

• Al Lait

• El Fasher locality

Western Nuba Mountains

• Al Lagowa

• As Sunut (West Kordofan)

• Habila

• Dilling (South Kordofan)

An additional 17 areas remain at risk of famine, including parts of:

• North, South, and East Darfur

• South Kordofan

• Al Gezira

• Khartoum

Continued conflict and restricted humanitarian access increase the likelihood of further deterioration.

Why Targeting Matters in 2026

Due to:

• Funding shortfalls

• Humanitarian access constraints

• Ration reductions

• Suspension of some support activities

There is an urgent need to ensure that limited resources are directed to those most in need.

Effective targeting ensures:

• Fair beneficiary selection

• Reduced inclusion and exclusion errors

• Greater accountability

• Improved trust between communities and aid providers

Key Objectives of the Call

WFP seeks partners to strengthen:

Accountability to Affected People

• Transparent two-way communication

• Inclusive participation in targeting

• Responsive feedback and complaints mechanisms

Accuracy and Fairness in Beneficiary Identification

• Evidence-based vulnerability assessment

• Clear eligibility criteria

• Data-driven decision-making

Community Trust and Participation

• Transparent selection processes

• Community validation mechanisms

• Participatory targeting approaches

Reduction of Targeting Errors

• Minimize inclusion errors (assisting non-eligible households)

• Minimize exclusion errors (missing eligible households)

Local Capacity Building

• Strengthen local institutions’ data management capacity

• Improve evidence-based targeting systems

What Is Targeting in Humanitarian Assistance?

Targeting refers to the structured process of identifying individuals or households most eligible for assistance based on vulnerability criteria.

In the context of WFP operations, targeting supports:

• Food distribution programs

• Cash-based transfers

• Livelihood protection interventions

Accurate targeting is essential when needs exceed available resources.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

WFP is seeking experienced partners capable of implementing targeting-related activities.

Eligible applicants typically include:

• National NGOs

• International NGOs

• Civil society organizations

• Organizations with strong data management and community engagement capacity

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience in humanitarian programming

• Capacity to manage vulnerability data

• Ability to operate in Al Gezira

• Understanding of accountability to affected populations (AAP)

Expected Partner Responsibilities

Selected partners may be responsible for:

• Community sensitization and outreach

• Vulnerability data collection and verification

• Supporting grievance redress mechanisms

• Conducting participatory validation exercises

• Data management and reporting

• Supporting transparency in beneficiary selection

How to Apply

Step 1: Review WFP Call Documentation
Carefully examine eligibility criteria, technical requirements, and proposal format.

Step 2: Demonstrate Technical Capacity
Clearly outline:

• Targeting methodology

• Data protection measures

• Accountability systems

• Field presence in Al Gezira

Step 3: Present Operational Plan
Include:

• Community engagement strategy

• Data collection approach

• Risk mitigation plan

• Coordination with WFP

Step 4: Submit Complete Proposal
Ensure compliance with WFP submission guidelines and deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak data management strategy

• Insufficient accountability mechanisms

• Lack of community participation framework

• Limited operational presence in target areas

• Vague targeting methodology

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate transparent, evidence-based processes.

Key Definitions

IPC (Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification)
A global system that classifies the severity of food insecurity into five phases, from Minimal (Phase 1) to Catastrophe/Famine (Phase 5).

Inclusion Error
Providing assistance to individuals who do not meet eligibility criteria.

Exclusion Error
Failing to include individuals who are eligible for assistance.

Accountability to Affected People (AAP)
Commitment to involve communities in decision-making and ensure transparency, feedback, and responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this call?
   To strengthen transparent and evidence-based targeting in Al Gezira, Sudan.

2. Why is targeting critical in 2026?
   Because needs far exceed available resources due to widespread food insecurity and funding constraints.

3. What type of assistance is involved?
   Primarily food and cash-based assistance.

4. Who can apply?
   Organizations with experience in humanitarian targeting, data management, and community engagement.

5. What region is covered?
   The call focuses on Al Gezira State in Sudan.

6. What is the current food insecurity situation?
   24.6 million people are in IPC Phase 3 and above, with confirmed famine conditions in multiple areas.

7. How will selected partners contribute?
   By supporting transparent, participatory, and data-driven beneficiary selection processes.

Conclusion

The WFP 2026 Targeting Call for Proposal in Al Gezira is a critical intervention in a context of extreme food insecurity and limited humanitarian resources.

By strengthening transparency, accountability, and evidence-based targeting, this initiative aims to ensure that food and cash assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations fairly, efficiently, and effectively during Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.