Scientific Solutions for Climate Change in Sudan: Driving Adaptation and Productivity

Sudan’s agricultural sector is facing serious challenges due to climate change, particularly in rain-fed areas where declining rainfall, rising temperatures, shifting planting seasons, and pest outbreaks have disrupted productivity. Farmers and meteorological experts stress the urgent need for scientific interventions such as early warning systems, drought-resistant crops, improved water management, and flexible agricultural policies to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable food production.

The Singa Climate Forum, organized by the Ministry of Production and Economic Resources in Sennar State in cooperation with the Public Authority for Meteorology, highlighted the urgent need to respond to climate-induced declines in productivity. Officials emphasized that scientific planning must form the backbone of agricultural strategies to protect Sudan’s food supply.

Experts from the Public Authority for Meteorology warned that Sudan is experiencing unusual and extreme weather phenomena, including heavy rains in typically dry regions, which are altering climate patterns. Research under the SADREPS project, in collaboration with Japanese institutions, has identified heat-tolerant local wheat strains, opening opportunities for developing seeds resistant to climate stress and ensuring continued wheat cultivation under rising temperatures.

Institutional efforts include modernizing climate awareness systems, with the Public Authority for Meteorology launching daily reports, a new website, and the “Common Alerting Protocol” (CAP) system to deliver timely and simplified early warnings to communities. Seasonal forecasts for autumn 2025 have also been published to support proactive agricultural and disaster management planning.

Despite these challenges, Sudan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, supported by FAO, has implemented proactive measures to maintain food stability. Improved seeds, modern farming techniques, and enhanced irrigation systems have increased grain production to 6.6 million tons, surpassing last year by 62%. While climate change presents growing risks, officials affirm that Sudan “will not starve,” crediting government strategies, farmer efforts, and international partnerships for sustaining agricultural productivity and food security.