Deadline: 07-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals for Red Sea State, Sudan, to strengthen transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based beneficiary targeting amid escalating food insecurity. WFP seeks partners to improve accountability, enhance fairness in assistance delivery, and ensure that limited resources reach the most vulnerable populations.
Background
Food insecurity in Sudan has significantly worsened since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
According to the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) released in December 2024:
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24.6 million people (51% of the population) are projected to face IPC Phase 3 and above between December 2024 and May 2025
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637,000 people are classified in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe)
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8.1 million people are in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency)
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14 million people are in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis)
The Famine Review Committee has confirmed famine conditions in ten areas, including parts of North Darfur, West Kordofan, and South Kordofan. An additional 17 areas remain at risk of famine if conflict and humanitarian access constraints persist.
Humanitarian access challenges and funding shortages have already resulted in ration reductions, strict prioritisation, and suspension of some assistance programmes.
Purpose of the Call
Within this urgent context, WFP is seeking partners to collaborate on targeting-related activities in Red Sea State to ensure rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based approaches to beneficiary identification and assistance delivery.
Key Focus Areas
The call prioritises:
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Strengthening accountability to affected populations through transparent two-way communication
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Promoting inclusive participation in beneficiary identification processes
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Establishing and reinforcing responsive feedback and grievance mechanisms, including hotlines
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Improving accuracy and fairness in identifying eligible beneficiaries
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Reducing inclusion and exclusion errors
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Enhancing community trust through participatory targeting approaches
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Strengthening local capacity for evidence-based targeting and data management
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Ensuring vulnerability data supports fair and transparent selection for food and cash assistance
All grievance handling mechanisms must align with WFP guidelines.
Why This Matters
Given the scale of need, limited resources, and operational constraints, effective targeting is essential to:
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Prioritise assistance to those facing extreme food insecurity
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Protect livelihoods and reduce vulnerability
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Strengthen community trust in humanitarian systems
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Reinforce accountability and transparency in aid delivery
Who Should Apply
WFP is seeking capable partners with:
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Proven experience in community engagement and accountability systems
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Strong data management and beneficiary targeting expertise
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Operational presence or contextual understanding of Red Sea State
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Capacity to operate in complex humanitarian environments
FAQs
1. What is the objective of this call?
To strengthen transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based beneficiary targeting in Red Sea State.
2. Which organisation launched the call?
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
3. Why is targeting a priority?
Because limited funding and severe food insecurity require assistance to be prioritised accurately and fairly.
4. What mechanisms must partners strengthen?
Two-way communication systems, grievance redress mechanisms, and data-driven beneficiary identification processes.
5. Where will activities take place?
In Red Sea State, Sudan.
Conclusion
The 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals by the World Food Programme represents a critical effort to ensure that humanitarian assistance in Red Sea State is delivered fairly, transparently, and effectively. As food insecurity in Sudan reaches unprecedented levels, strengthening accountability, community participation, and evidence-based targeting systems is essential to saving lives and protecting livelihoods. Through strategic partnerships, WFP aims to ensure that scarce resources are directed to those most in need, reinforcing trust and integrity within the humanitarian response system.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.