Hassan Mustafa Bari, representing local businesses in Saraf-Jamus Payam of Umderin Locality in the Nuba Mountains, has voiced serious apprehensions about the escalating food security crisis in the area.
Speaking to the media in the Nuba Mountains region on Friday, Mustafa emphasized the worsening situation throughout 2024.
“The situation regarding food security in our Payam is dire and instilling fear within our communities,” Mustafa remarked. “It has worsened significantly this year.”
Each passing day witnesses a surge in the prices of produce, exacerbating the hardships faced by residents. Bari highlighted the scarcity of essential food items in local markets, rendering them unaffordable for many. Particularly affected are the elderly and vulnerable individuals, who struggle to procure even basic necessities for their families.
“There is a severe lack of food items within our community, leaving many elderly individuals without access to proper sustenance,” Mustafa emphasized. He called upon the government and compassionate individuals to address the issue promptly and extend support to the vulnerable communities in the Nuba Mountains region.
He provided alarming statistics, stating, “The cost of Dura, our main food staple, has reached unprecedented levels. A sack of Dura (sorghum) now costs ninety thousand Sudanese Pounds (SDG), with prices continuing to soar. Additionally, a ‘malwa’ of Dura is priced at 3,000 SDG, while beans, simsim, and ground ants each command high prices.” He noted that these items are often scarce and only available on market days.
Mustafa further elaborated, stating, “During market days, some members of our community bring their own food items like Dura to sell in order to purchase essentials such as salt, soap, and other ingredients for their families. Many vulnerable people are now unable to afford even the most basic food items for their households.”
He also noted the exorbitant prices of livestock in the Payam, indicating that a small goat costs 50,000 SDG, while a large he-goat ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 SDG.
Regarding meat prices in the market, Mustafa provided details: “One kilogram of goat meat is priced at four thousand SDG, while one kilogram of cow meat ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 SDG. Additionally, meat with bones is priced at 2,500 SDG, while boneless meat costs 3,000 SDG per kilogram.”
Furthermore, he mentioned the prices of bulls, which stand at 270,000 SDG for some and 250,000 SDG for others. He emphasized that the situation in the Payam is rapidly deteriorating, with large segments of the community facing devastating circumstances.