Sudanese farmers are set to receive a major boost to agricultural production with the delivery of 37,000 metric tons of high-quality fertilizers and 5,200 metric tons of Irish seed potatoes to Port Sudan. The shipments, coordinated by Sustain Africa, a pan-African initiative hosted by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and implemented in partnership with CIMMYT, represent a critical step in revitalizing agriculture after more than two years of conflict that have left Sudan with the worst food security conditions in decades.
Sudan’s fertilizer imports, which typically reach around 450,000 metric tons annually, fell sharply to an estimated 50,000 metric tons in 2024, creating a severe gap in farm input availability. The Sustain Africa initiative aims to bridge this gap through a market-based approach, linking international suppliers with local agrodealers, unlocking finance options, and providing on-the-ground technical support. This model strengthens local fertilizer and agri-input markets while helping communities regain the capacity to produce their own food as the country works toward recovery and stability.
“Restoring agriculture is essential for long-term stability and securing food supply. The determination of Sudan’s farming and agribusiness community to reclaim self-sufficiency is evident across the sector,” said Ben Valk, Global Director of Sustain Sudan. Dr. Moses Siambi, CIMMYT’s Regional Director for Africa, added, “By combining this fertilizer and seed delivery with practical agronomic support, we can help farmers restart production, increase yields, and safeguard their livelihoods.”
Local agrodealers have already begun distributing inputs to suppliers and farmers in Gezira, River Nile, Northern, Kassala, White Nile, and Sinnar states, marking the first wave of deliveries. Sustain Africa continues to seek collaboration with business partners, financial institutions, and development investors to expand support and provide additional solutions for Sudan’s agricultural sector.
This initiative highlights a non-political, business-humanitarian intervention, focused solely on meeting urgent market and farmer needs. By improving access to high-quality inputs, providing technical support, and strengthening local markets, the program aims to restore productivity, boost food security, and empower Sudanese farmers to rebuild resilient livelihoods.
