Sudan Moves to Unlock $47 Million IFAD Grant for Farmers and Livestock Producers
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has pledged $47 million to support smallholder farmers and livestock producers in Sudan, but the grant is conditional on the government settling its long-standing arrears to the fund.
Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim confirmed that steps are being taken to resolve the issue, noting that clearing the arrears would open the door to new financing aimed at boosting productivity in rural areas. Meeting with IFAD Country Director Rasha Omar in Khartoum, he underscored the government’s focus on strengthening resilience, developing rural communities, and empowering women by organizing producers into associations that can access international financing more directly.
Planning Undersecretary Mohamed Bashar said IFAD’s support remains vital for war-affected rural communities, especially farmers, pastoralists, and vulnerable groups across nine states. He stressed that continuing these projects is key to rebuilding livelihoods and supporting stability in the countryside.
For her part, Rasha Omar said her visit to Sudan from September 6–20 seeks to reinforce cooperation and monitor the government’s progress on arrears. She also highlighted the relaunch of the Natural Resources and Livelihoods Program, which is being strengthened to reach full capacity nationwide.
Despite Sudan’s challenges, she praised the government’s efforts to sustain IFAD programs over the past two years, pointing to encouraging results such as higher crop yields, better rural organization, farmer-led water management, and a shift to solar-powered irrigation pumps that cut costs by 30%.
Expressing optimism, Rasha said resolving Sudan’s arrears could unlock not only the $47 million grant but also new opportunities to attract additional resources, adding that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Sudan’s poverty reduction and food security strategy.
