Sudan’s Drought Deepens Hunger Threat as War Disrupts Food Supplies
· News Team
October 23, 2026 — Sudan. A deepening drought is threatening food production across war-torn Sudan, adding a new shock to communities already struggling with displacement, disrupted markets and limited humanitarian aid.
A Reuters investigation published Friday found that rainfall during the July–September growing season was the lowest in decades in several important agricultural regions. In North Darfur, the reported rainfall was the lowest since 1984; in North Kordofan, the lowest since 1990. Farmers described withered crops and deteriorating livestock conditions, with some warning that harvests could fall sharply.
The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned on October 12 that conflict, drought and inadequate aid funding were increasing famine risk in parts of Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan. The alert does not constitute a new nationwide famine declaration.
Reuters reported that the World Food Programme projects drought could push an additional 350,000 people into severe hunger by the end of 2026, with the increase reaching 1.2 million by August 2027. Those are forecasts, not confirmed current casualty or hunger counts. Aid agencies have also reported ration cuts as resources remain stretched.
Sudan’s agriculture minister acknowledged on October 8 that the harvest would be lower, but disputed the scale of the expected decline. Aid organizations say sustained access to affected communities and additional funding are crucial as the next harvest approaches.
Sources and verification
- Reuters, October 23, 2026 — field reporting, rainfall data and WFP projections
- World Health Organization / IPC, October 12, 2026 — famine-risk alert
- World Food Programme — El Niño preparedness and humanitarian risks
About The Author
[…] In a separate October 23 joint ministerial statement, the UK and partners warned that 19.5 million people in Sudan were facing high levels of acute food insecurity. The conflict has disrupted farming, trade and essential infrastructure, while drought risks threaten to worsen conditions. For further context, see our earlier report on Sudan’s hunger and drought emergency. […]