Full Breakdown
Sudan’s War-Driven Famine Echoes Past Starvation Crises
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The War-Induced Food Crisis
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in April 2023, has pushed Sudan into one of its worst modern food emergencies. By 2024 the fighting had disrupted agricultural production, forced farmers off their land, and blocked the movement of food and humanitarian aid. Hunger now grips major urban and agricultural centres in Khartoum, Gezira, Sennar, Darfur and Kordofan, displacing millions of citizens both within Sudan and across its borders. The warring parties have been accused of targeting markets, bakeries, crops and communication networks, further isolating entire regions and limiting humanitarian access.
Historical Famines in Sudan
Sudan’s collective memory contains several severe famines. The earliest recorded crisis occurred in 1684 under the Funj Sultanate, followed by drought-driven shortages in 1750 and between 1835-38 during Ottoman-Egyptian rule. The most traumatic episode, remembered by many Sudanese, unfolded in 1888-89 under Khalifa Abdullahi al-Taashi, with estimates of over one million deaths. A later drought in 1984, during President Jaafar Nimeiri’s rule, caused widespread crop loss and displaced hundreds of thousands, especially in Darfur and Kordofan. Unlike these earlier events, the current crisis is primarily man-made, stemming from armed conflict rather than climate alone.
Expert Perspectives
He points to the systematic destruction of infrastructure, disruption of large agricultural projects, and restrictions on humanitarian transit as key drivers. Economic researcher Mohammed Abdul Rahman emphasizes that “Wars and armed conflicts are among the most influential factors on food production,” highlighting how displacement, weak governance and reliance on traditional farming exacerbate the crisis.
Data & Statistics
Sudan possesses roughly 200 million acres (81 million hectares) of arable land, abundant Nile water and extensive livestock resources—assets that could support a global-breadbasket role. The present famine, however, has crippled these potentials, with major agricultural zones and urban markets unable to function and millions forced to seek aid or flee.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wars and armed conflicts are among the most influential factors on food production,” — Abdul Rahman, an economic researcher