New Delhi: The UN Under-Secretary General and UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, has strongly condemned the deteriorating food security situation in Sudan, saying that the country is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded.
According to the latest UN report, more than 25 million people, over half the population, is facing acute food insecurity, with 18 percent of them in emergency Phase, risking famine. The report further states that the food crisis is having a devastating impact on the people and livelihoods of Sudan, with over 4,500 rural households facing severe food insecurity.
In a statement issued on Friday, Steiner, said that immediate humanitarian and food assistance is a priority but must be complemented by additional support to prevent the looming famine. He also urged for urgent support to agricultural livelihoods, including rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure and providing farmers with access to subsidized seeds and fertilizers, as well as setting up rapid training programs on resilient farming practices.
The restoration of the ability of markets to function by reconstructing market infrastructure, establishing secure trade corridors, and supporting local traders and small businesses to resume operations are also critical for economic recovery and food security, Steiner added.