The UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on Monday announced a grant of US$ 20 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for Sudan, a press release said.
Khardiata Lo Ndiaye said the grant will help in buying and distribution of seeds and also provide critical nutrition.
“This grant will allow the procurement and distribution of seeds, provide critical nutrition and WASH services, and support crop protection committees to farmers in Darfur,” the Humanitarian Coordinator said. “This is a race against time to ensure that hundreds of thousands of people in Sudan are protected from acute food insecurity in the months ahead.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will receive US$ 12 million and the UN Children’s Agency (UNICEF) $7 million, with the World Food Programme (WFP) receiving $1 million to provide logistic support.
“The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan called on the Government of Sudan to facilitate the provision of agricultural inputs – fuel, fertilizers, and extension services – for all producers,” the statement said.
She also urged the government to uphold the peace and security to ensure a successful agricultural season so people can rely on their food production this and next year as global food supply faces major challenges and humanitarian funding for food support is limited.
FAO and WFP said in a statement in March that the combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, and poor harvests are significantly affecting people’s access to food across Sudan. This could potentially double the number of people facing acute hunger in Sudan by September 2022.