Rapid Assessment of Food and Payment Systems in Sudan for a Coordinated Food Security Emergency Response

The report identifies severe disruptions in Sudan's food systems and financial infrastructure due to conflict, noting that over 20 million people face acute food insecurity. It highlights a dramatic decrease in planted areas, the destruction of processing capacity in Khartoum, and the collapse of the Central Bank of Sudan's electronic banking switch. To address these, the document proposes 'twin-track' interventions focusing on prioritized value chains (sorghum, horticulture, and oilseeds) and the adoption of digital financial services and informal payment networks to bypass physical and institutional barriers.

• Sudan is experiencing a severe food security crisis, with over 20 million people—approximately 42% of the population—suffering from acute food insecurity, the highest number ever recorded in the country.
• Agricultural production has declined significantly; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reported only 10 million hectares planted this year compared to 23 million last year, a potential 41% decrease. This is driven by a lack of input financing, high fuel prices leading to the abandonment of mechanization, and fear of conflict.
• A significant portion of Sudan's agri-processing capacity was destroyed because it was concentrated in Khartoum. This includes the oil pressing sector, which had over 60 facilities in the capital pre-conflict, and an estimated 40% of the country's wheat milling capacity.
• The financial system has largely collapsed due to the failure of the Electronic Banking Services (EBS) switch operated by the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS), which was essential for interbank interoperability. Consequently, only 5 to 6 of the 37 banks in Sudan remain operational.
• There is a surge in demand for digital financial services to replace non-operational banks, with MTN’s MoMo, Cashi, and the Bank of Khartoum’s bankak app emerging as leaders. However, these services are frequently hindered by unstable internet connectivity and electricity outages.
• Informal payment systems known as hawala have increased to fill the gap in formal financial services, facilitating cross-border transfers and humanitarian aid, though they carry higher KYC and AML risks.

APA

FSD Africa (2023). Rapid Assessment of Food and Payment Systems in Sudan for a Coordinated Food Security Emergency Response. https://fsdafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23-11-24-Sudan-Emergency-Response-rapid-assessment-External.pdf

Chicago

FSD Africa. Rapid Assessment of Food and Payment Systems in Sudan for a Coordinated Food Security Emergency Response. 2023. https://fsdafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23-11-24-Sudan-Emergency-Response-rapid-assessment-External.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=FSD Africa |title=Rapid Assessment of Food and Payment Systems in Sudan for a Coordinated Food Security Emergency Response |date=November 2023 |url=https://fsdafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23-11-24-Sudan-Emergency-Response-rapid-assessment-External.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{fsdafrica2023rapid, author = {{FSD Africa}}, title = {{Rapid Assessment of Food and Payment Systems in Sudan for a Coordinated Food Security Emergency Response}}, institution = {FSD Africa}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://fsdafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23-11-24-Sudan-Emergency-Response-rapid-assessment-External.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }