By Edwin Austin
At the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS) Regional Preparatory Meeting in Nairobi, Sudan’s representative, Dr. Ageeb M. Madani, underscored the nation’s dual reality of advancing food system reforms while grappling with severe challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. His speech highlighted both the progress Sudan is making in policy frameworks and the crippling impact of war on implementation, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 4 (Quality Education).
During the vibrant member state presentation, the Sudan representative emphasized their push for national and regional collaboration to stabilize food systems, noting that partnerships are critical to addressing supply chain disruptions caused by conflict. Key strategies mentioned include providing technical support and fertilizers to farmers, particularly in rural areas where agricultural productivity could unlock broader food security.
“Rural communities are the backbone of Sudan’s food production,” he stated, adding that equipping farmers with resources would “create ripple effects for good nutrition, employment, and economic resilience.”
Educational reform was also central to Sudan’s vision. In a vast conference hall full of regional experts, academicians, private and public sector stakeholders, Dr. Ageeb called for integrating food system education into school curricula, arguing that fostering awareness among youth is vital for long-term sustainability. A standout initiative, the Khartoum School Meal Project, aims to provide daily meals to over 1,000 students, merging nutrition support with educational incentives.
However, the program remains stalled due to the ongoing conflict situation. He did not shy away from outlining stark challenges currently hindering success. Soaring prices of basic commodities, fueled by protracted conflict, have destabilized households and strained food access.
“War has disrupted markets, displaced farmers, and diverted resources away from development,” he said. Even Sudan’s monthly multi-stakeholder food system meetings, designed to track progress and align priorities, have been suspended as security concerns take precedence.
Sudan’s appeal at the UNFSS centered on urgent collaboration. The delegate called for, technical and financial support to rebuild agricultural infrastructure, resumption of stakeholder dialogues, possibly in hybrid formats, to keep food system planning alive. Moreover, prioritization of school-based nutrition programs as a gateway to broader SDG progress.
Even as the curtains came down falling at the UN offices in Nairobi, Dr. Ageeb had a final message, “Khartoum is now safe, and donors and funders can reconsider the program (the school feeding program) and implement it in all localities of Khartoum State,” he asserted.