Crop supply suffers in Sudan: Recent fighting affects market traders & production

Key Concepts

• Sudan Conflict (2023-present): The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Alubayid Market: A major agricultural market in North Kurdufan state, Sudan, crucial for national food supply and export.
• Supply Chain Disruption: Blocked routes and infrastructure damage hindering the movement of crops.
• Food Insecurity: Widespread shortages and unaffordability of food impacting a large portion of the Sudanese population.
• RSF Siege & Attacks: The paramilitary group’s control of routes and direct targeting of infrastructure.

Impact of Conflict on Agricultural Production & Trade in Alubayid, Sudan

The Alubayid market in North Kurdufan state, Sudan, traditionally one of the largest in the country and a vital hub for the distribution of harvested crops both domestically and for export, is experiencing a severe downturn due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The video report details the dramatic reduction in crop volumes arriving at the market and the cascading effects on traders, storage facilities, and ultimately, the national food supply.

Quantifiable Decline in Crop Volumes

Prior to the conflict, the market experienced peak produce inflows in January. However, current incoming quantities are reported to be only 10% of pre-war levels. This statistic highlights the drastic impact of the fighting on agricultural production and the ability to bring goods to market. The reduction is directly linked to disruptions in supply routes and increased insecurity.

Disrupted Supply Routes & RSF Control

The conflict, which began in 2023, initially involved an RSF siege of Alubayid. While the Sudanese army successfully lifted the siege in the past year, critical supply routes from the Darur region and the broader Kurdufan area remain blocked by the RSF. This blockage prevents crops from reaching the market, contributing significantly to the reduced volumes. The report emphasizes that the issue isn’t simply a lack of production, but a logistical failure to transport existing harvests.

Impact on Market Workers & Infrastructure

The decline in trade has had a direct and devastating impact on those who work at the market. One worker stated that pre-war, he would weigh between 2,000 and 1,500 sacks of crops daily, but now struggles to weigh even 200 sacks. This illustrates the loss of livelihood and economic hardship caused by the conflict.

Furthermore, critical infrastructure supporting the market has been directly targeted. A warehouse was destroyed in an RSF drone attack, resulting in significant losses for traders and further reducing the available crop supply. A trader recounts the attack: “We were severely harmed. The warehouses were very full and when the drones hit, the traders were hurt. They were hurt very much. All these shops were burned and the grains as well. We became jobless and we stopped working for a long time.” While the trader notes a recent return to some stability, the damage underscores the vulnerability of the supply chain.

Increased Transport Costs & Alternative Routes

The blockage of traditional routes has led to increased transport costs as traders are forced to seek alternative, and likely longer and more expensive, routes to bring produce to market. This added cost further contributes to rising food prices.

National Food Security Crisis

The consequences of these disruptions extend far beyond the Alubayid market. The report states that more than 30 million Sudanese citizens are currently facing food shortages and are unable to afford the increased food costs. With the fighting continuing, the situation is predicted to worsen, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis.

Synthesis

The Alubayid market serves as a microcosm of the broader food security crisis unfolding in Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has not only disrupted agricultural production but has also crippled the vital supply chains necessary to distribute food across the country. The destruction of infrastructure, blockage of routes, and resulting economic hardship are collectively pushing millions of Sudanese citizens towards starvation. The situation demands urgent attention and a resolution to the conflict to restore stability and ensure food security for the nation.