Sudan Conflict: Millions Survive on One Meal a Day as Food Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached a critical point, with millions of people struggling to access adequate food. A report by a group of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), including Action Against Hunger, CARE International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlights the dire situation.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread hunger and displaced millions of people, creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The report notes that nearly three years of conflict have systematically eroded Sudan's food system, leading to mass hunger.

In the two states worst hit by the conflict – North Darfur and South Kordofan – millions of families can only access one meal a day. Often, they miss meals for entire days, and many have resorted to eating leaves and animal feed to survive.

The NGOs also report that communal kitchens set up to collectively prepare and share meals are struggling to stretch the scarce food available as resources dwindle. The crisis is being compounded by a worsening economic crisis and climate change.

The Sudanese government has denied the existence of famine, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) denies responsibility for such conditions in areas under its control. However, the UN has reported widespread atrocities and waves of ethnically charged violence.

According to the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, 61.7 percent of Sudan's population – 28.9 million people – is facing acute food shortages. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, including el-Fasher and Kadugli.