Deadline: 07-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a 2026 Targeting Call for Proposal in East Darfur, Sudan, to strengthen transparent, accountable, and evidence-based food assistance delivery amid escalating conflict-driven food insecurity. The initiative focuses on improving beneficiary identification, reducing targeting errors, reinforcing accountability to affected populations, and strengthening local data systems. The call responds to severe IPC Phase 3–5 conditions affecting millions across Sudan.
Program Overview
WFP is seeking implementing partners to support targeting-related activities in East Darfur.
The primary objective is to ensure that limited humanitarian food and cash assistance reaches the most vulnerable households through:
• Transparent targeting systems
• Inclusive community participation
• Accurate vulnerability assessments
• Evidence-based data management
• Strong accountability mechanisms
The call aligns with humanitarian principles of fairness, impartiality, and accountability to affected populations (AAP).
Crisis Context: Sudan Food Security Emergency
Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe food insecurity crises following the outbreak of conflict 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 projected to be in IPC Phase 3 and above between December 2024 and May 2025
• 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)
The Famine Review Committee has confirmed famine conditions in ten areas and identified 17 additional areas at risk if conflict and access constraints continue.
Humanitarian access limitations and funding shortages have resulted in:
• Strict prioritization of assistance
• Food ration reductions
• Suspension of certain support activities
In this environment, precise and transparent targeting is critical to maximize life-saving impact.
What Is Humanitarian Targeting?
Humanitarian targeting is the systematic process of identifying and selecting individuals or households most in need of assistance based on vulnerability criteria.
Effective targeting ensures:
• Fair allocation of limited resources
• Reduced inclusion errors (assisting non-eligible households)
• Reduced exclusion errors (missing eligible households)
• Increased community trust
• Improved accountability
In conflict-affected contexts like East Darfur, targeting must be transparent, participatory, and data-driven.
Key Objectives of the 2026 Targeting Call
1. Strengthening Accountability to Affected People (AAP)
The program promotes:
• Transparent two-way communication channels
• Inclusive community engagement
• Responsive feedback and complaints mechanisms
• Clear beneficiary communication processes
Accountability to affected populations is central to humanitarian effectiveness.
2. Improving Accuracy and Fairness
Partners will support:
• Evidence-based vulnerability assessments
• Transparent beneficiary selection criteria
• Community validation processes
• Reduction of inclusion and exclusion errors
The goal is to ensure assistance reaches those facing the highest levels of food insecurity.
3. Enhancing Community Trust
Community trust is strengthened through:
• Participatory targeting processes
• Open communication of selection criteria
• Regular engagement with community leaders
• Feedback loop integration
Trust improves program legitimacy and reduces social tension.
4. Strengthening Data Systems and Local Capacity
The initiative includes:
• Strengthening data collection and management systems
• Capacity building for local actors
• Improved vulnerability analysis
• Evidence-based decision-making
Strong data systems improve both transparency and operational efficiency.
Who Is Eligible to Participate as a Partner?
WFP is seeking organizations with:
• Experience in humanitarian programming
• Strong expertise in beneficiary targeting methodologies
• Capacity to operate in conflict-affected environments
• Knowledge of IPC classifications and food security analysis
• Experience with accountability and feedback systems
• Data management and monitoring expertise
Local and national organizations with community access and contextual understanding are particularly valuable.
How the Targeting Process Works
Step 1: Vulnerability Assessment
Collect data using standardized tools aligned with IPC and WFP guidelines.
Step 2: Criteria Definition
Establish transparent eligibility criteria based on food insecurity levels, displacement status, household vulnerability, and livelihood disruption.
Step 3: Community Validation
Engage community members to validate beneficiary lists.
Step 4: Verification and Data Cross-Checking
Use evidence-based verification to minimize errors.
Step 5: Feedback and Appeals
Allow affected populations to raise concerns or appeal targeting decisions.
Step 6: Continuous Monitoring
Track accuracy, fairness, and community satisfaction.
Common Targeting Challenges in Conflict Settings
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Population displacement and mobility
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Limited humanitarian access
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Incomplete or outdated data
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Community tensions
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Political or social interference
Mitigation strategies include participatory validation, real-time data updates, and robust feedback systems.
Why This Call Matters
This targeting initiative is critical because:
• Sudan faces widespread IPC Phase 3–5 food insecurity
• Humanitarian resources are limited
• Conflict restricts access
• Errors in targeting can cost lives
• Transparent processes build trust and social cohesion
Accurate targeting maximizes the life-saving impact of food and cash assistance.
Expected Outcomes
Through strengthened targeting systems, the program aims to:
• Improve fairness and transparency in beneficiary selection
• Reduce targeting errors
• Strengthen accountability to affected people
• Enhance local capacity in data management
• Ensure assistance reaches households in IPC Phase 3, 4, and 5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of this WFP call?
To identify partners that can support transparent, accountable, and evidence-based food assistance targeting in East Darfur.
2. Why is targeting so important in Sudan right now?
Because millions face severe food insecurity and humanitarian resources are limited, making precise targeting essential.
3. What are IPC Phases 3, 4, and 5?
IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) indicates acute food insecurity, Phase 4 (Emergency) signals very high levels of hunger, and Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine) reflects extreme food deprivation and risk of death.
4. What types of assistance are targeted?
Food assistance and cash-based transfers.
5. How does WFP ensure transparency?
Through participatory selection processes, clear eligibility criteria, and community feedback mechanisms.
6. Who benefits from improved targeting systems?
The most vulnerable households in East Darfur affected by conflict and food insecurity.
7. What is Accountability to Affected People (AAP)?
AAP is a humanitarian principle ensuring communities can access information, provide feedback, and influence decisions that affect them.
Conclusion
The WFP 2026 Targeting Call for Proposal in East Darfur represents a critical intervention to safeguard fairness, transparency, and accountability in food assistance delivery during one of Sudan’s most severe humanitarian crises.
By strengthening data systems, community engagement, and evidence-based beneficiary selection, the initiative ensures that limited resources are directed toward those facing the highest levels of food insecurity, protecting lives and livelihoods in a conflict-affected environment.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
