A race against time in North Kordofan, Sudan
As conflict and insecurity threaten livelihoods, farmers in North Kordofan race against the rainy season—while humanitarians race to get seeds to them in time
In Sudan’s North Kordofan, seeds arrived just in time for planting, giving farming families a chance to grow food, protect livelihoods and rebuild amid conflict.
©FAO
17/08/2026
For months, farming families in North Kordofan faced an impossible situation.
As conflict spread across Sudan, thousands of displaced families arrived from Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan seeking safety. Communities shared the little they had, while blocked roads made it extremely difficult for humanitarian assistance—including seeds, livestock vaccines and veterinary medicines—to reach the state.
As the rainy season approached, every day became more critical. Without seeds, farmers risked missing the planting season. Without vaccines, livestock keepers faced the threat of disease, putting both their livelihoods and food security at risk.
On 17 May 2026, the FAO Representative joined FAO staff, state officials, partners and beneficiaries in Shiakn locality, El Obeid, to launch the 2026 Seed Distribution Campaign.
Shortly before the ceremony, sounds of drone strikes echoed in the distance. Everyone waited patiently until the situation settled. The launch then proceeded, bringing long-awaited agricultural assistance to farming families just in time for planting.
Watching beneficiaries leave carrying bags of seed was unforgettable. Those seeds represented far more than the next planting season. They represented the chance to produce food again, support displaced families living among them and begin rebuilding their livelihoods with dignity.
Sometimes, the greatest impact of humanitarian work is ensuring assistance reaches people exactly when they need it most.
As conflict spread across Sudan, thousands of displaced families arrived from Darfur, West Kordofan and South Kordofan seeking safety. Communities shared the little they had, while blocked roads made it extremely difficult for humanitarian assistance—including seeds, livestock vaccines and veterinary medicines—to reach the state.
As the rainy season approached, every day became more critical. Without seeds, farmers risked missing the planting season. Without vaccines, livestock keepers faced the threat of disease, putting both their livelihoods and food security at risk.
On 17 May 2026, the FAO Representative joined FAO staff, state officials, partners and beneficiaries in Shiakn locality, El Obeid, to launch the 2026 Seed Distribution Campaign.
Shortly before the ceremony, sounds of drone strikes echoed in the distance. Everyone waited patiently until the situation settled. The launch then proceeded, bringing long-awaited agricultural assistance to farming families just in time for planting.
Watching beneficiaries leave carrying bags of seed was unforgettable. Those seeds represented far more than the next planting season. They represented the chance to produce food again, support displaced families living among them and begin rebuilding their livelihoods with dignity.
Sometimes, the greatest impact of humanitarian work is ensuring assistance reaches people exactly when they need it most.