The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the country’s agricultural supply chain, severely disrupting crop production, transportation and market activity. One of the clearest examples of this crisis can be seen at the Al-Obaid crop market in North Kordofan state, one of Sudan’s largest agricultural trading centres.
Al-Obaid market plays a crucial role in Sudan’s food system, serving as a major hub where harvested crops are bought, sold and distributed to other parts of the country and for export. In previous years, especially during January, which is considered the peak season, the market would receive large volumes of produce from surrounding regions. However, traders now say the situation has changed dramatically due to the war.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in 2023 and has continued to disrupt daily life across the country. According to traders at Al-Obaid market, the volume of crops arriving has fallen to nearly 10 percent of what was available before the conflict. Where thousands of sacks of grain were once weighed and sold daily, only a few hundred now reach the market.
Although the Sudanese army managed to break the siege on Al-Obaid last year, key supply routes remain blocked. Roads linking North Kordofan with Darfur and other agricultural regions are still under the control of the paramilitary group, preventing farmers and traders from transporting crops to major markets.
The disruption of transport routes has also led to rising costs. Traders are forced to seek longer and less secure alternatives to bring produce into markets, increasing expenses and further pushing up food prices. These higher costs are passed on to consumers, making basic food items increasingly unaffordable for many families.
The impact of the conflict extends beyond transport and trade. Agricultural storage facilities have also been targeted. In one incident, a warehouse storing harvested crops was destroyed in a drone attack attributed to the Rapid Support Forces. The destruction of such warehouses has significantly reduced the availability of grains for both local consumption and export.
Market workers and traders say the attacks have caused major financial losses and widespread job losses. Many shops were burned, stocks were destroyed and workers were left without income for extended periods. Although some trading activity has slowly resumed, it remains far below normal levels.
The wider humanitarian consequences are severe. According to international agencies, more than 30 million people in Sudan are currently facing food shortages. The combination of reduced agricultural output, damaged infrastructure, restricted movement and rising prices has pushed millions closer to hunger.
With fighting continuing in several regions, analysts warn that the situation could deteriorate further. Farmers are struggling to plant and harvest crops, markets remain unstable and access to food is becoming increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities.
Unless supply routes are reopened and security improves, Sudan’s agricultural sector is expected to face prolonged disruption. The crisis highlights how ongoing conflict is not only destroying livelihoods but also threatening food security across the country.
