FAO and Government of China sign agreement to support conflict-affected households in Sudan

Cairo/Port Sudan – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Government of the People’s Republic of China signed a USD 2 million project agreement under the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund supported by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to address Sudan’s deteriorating food insecurity and nutrition situation and support the Organization’s poverty reduction efforts.

With a duration of 18 months, the project, entitled “Poverty Alleviation and Agriculture Assistance in Red Sea State, Sudan”, aims to promote agricultural, animal husbandry and fisheries production, increase food supply, improve income and reduce poverty among vulnerable conflict-affected households in Red Sea State through the South-South Cooperation mechanism.

“The Government of China's generous contribution arrives at a critical time when needs are soaring,” said Hongjie Yang, FAO Representative in Sudan. “By supporting the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, we are enhancing food production, combating the hunger crisis and creating greater income opportunities for these vulnerable communities.”

Red Sea State is home to a large population engaged in agriculture, where crop cultivation, livestock production, and fishing serve as the primary sources of employment and income. However, frequent natural disasters—most recently, devastating floods—continue to severely disrupt livelihoods, threatening the economic stability and food security of the State's residents.

Since the beginning of 2024, in collaboration with local and resource partners, FAO has distributed crop and vegetable seeds to more than 22 000 vulnerable farming households across the State. In addition, FAO distributed 300 000 vaccine doses to 30 000 households and provided 1 000 milking goats to 200 agropastoral households, including internally displaced households, who lost their assets due to the ongoing conflict.

“The Government of China is deeply committed to supporting the people of Sudan, especially at this critical juncture. Our partnership goes beyond immediate relief—it is a step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals globally, ensuring a better future for all,” said Zhang Xianghua, Chargé d'Affaires, Chinese Embassy in Sudan.

With over half the population – 25.6 million people – are facing Crisis or worse conditions (IPC Phase 3 or above) according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) results published in June, supporting the rural communities of Red Sea State—who continue to receive and host internally displaced populations—remains critical. Implementing the project activities in these areas is essential to saving lives, preserving livelihoods, and preventing further catastrophe.