Deadline: 07-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals in Kassala, Sudan, to strengthen transparent, accountable, and evidence-based beneficiary targeting in response to escalating food insecurity. The initiative focuses on improving fairness, reducing targeting errors, and ensuring assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Background
Food insecurity across Sudan has sharply worsened since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
According to the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) released in December 2024:
• 24.6 million people (51% of the population) are projected to face 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, including IDP camps and localities in North Darfur, West Kordofan, and South Kordofan, with 17 additional areas at risk if conflict and humanitarian access constraints persist.
Humanitarian funding shortfalls and access limitations have intensified operational challenges, leading to strict prioritisation, ration reductions, and suspension of some assistance programmes.
Purpose of the Call
Within this challenging context, WFP is seeking partners to support targeting-related activities in Kassala under the food security sector, particularly food assistance programmes.
The goal is to ensure that limited humanitarian resources are directed to those most in need through transparent and data-driven systems.
Key Focus Areas
The initiative aims to achieve:
• Strengthened accountability to affected populations through transparent two-way communication
• Inclusive participation in targeting processes
• Responsive feedback and grievance mechanisms
• Improved accuracy and fairness in beneficiary identification
• Reduced inclusion and exclusion errors
• Enhanced community trust through participatory approaches
• Strengthened local capacity for evidence-based targeting and data management
• Use of vulnerability data to ensure fair and transparent selection for food and cash assistance
Why Targeting Matters
With growing needs and shrinking resources, rigorous targeting processes are critical to:
• Maximise the impact of limited assistance
• Reduce extreme food insecurity
• Protect livelihoods
• Strengthen transparency and accountability
• Maintain community trust in humanitarian operations
Who Should Apply
WFP is looking for partners with:
• Experience in food security and humanitarian programming
• Strong expertise in beneficiary targeting and data systems
• Capacity to implement accountability and feedback mechanisms
• Operational understanding of the Kassala context
• Ability to operate in complex and resource-constrained environments
FAQs
1. Who issued this call for proposals?
The World Food Programme (WFP).
2. Where will activities take place?
In Kassala, Sudan.
3. What is the main objective?
To strengthen transparent, fair, and evidence-based beneficiary targeting in food assistance programmes.
4. Why is targeting a priority?
Because of escalating food insecurity, limited funding, and restricted humanitarian access.
5. What types of systems must be strengthened?
Two-way communication systems, grievance mechanisms, and data-driven beneficiary identification processes.
Conclusion
The 2026 Targeting Call for Proposals in Kassala represents a vital effort by WFP to improve accountability, transparency, and fairness in humanitarian assistance delivery. As Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe food security crises, strengthening targeting systems is essential to ensure that scarce resources reach the most vulnerable households. Through strategic partnerships, WFP aims to enhance community trust, improve data-driven decision-making, and maximise the life-saving impact of food assistance interventions in Kassala.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
