A Growing Crisis with Little Global Attention
Sudan has long been one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in Africa, receiving an estimated one million refugees, including 800,000 people who have fled violence in neighbouring South Sudan. On April 15, 2023, Sudan faced its own crisis when violence escalated within its borders, bringing destruction and disruption to infrastructure, including hospitals and markets. As a result, refugee and local families alike faced rising levels of disease and hunger.
It is estimated that more than 5 million people in Sudan have been forced to flee their homes to escape the violence: 2.2 million are now internally displaced, and nearly 3 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. This includes 700,000 people who have crossed into South Sudan—many of whom had previously fled to Sudan seeking safety. This influx has intensified an already fragile humanitarian situation in South Sudan. Despite the scale of the crisis, it has received limited global media attention.
Aweil East, a region in South Sudan, has received large numbers of South Sudanese returnees and Sudanese refugees. In August 2023, World Renew, through a local partner, ZOA, launched a six-month cash-for-food distribution project focused on supporting the food security needs of the most vulnerable families in Aweil East.
Struggling to Survive Amid Food Shortages
Malual Apath, 70, lives in Aweil East with his family. His community has felt the ripple effects of the conflict in Sudan. The influx of people has strained already limited resources, and many households in South Sudan had previously relied on imports from Sudan—goods that became increasingly inaccessible as violence escalated.
Like many in his community, Malual was unable to access the tools and seeds he needed for farming. His crop production and income dropped significantly, and his family began to face growing hunger. As his health declined due to lack of food, it became even more difficult for him to carry out the labour-intensive work needed to sustain his livelihood. He began to lose hope.
Restoring Hope Through Cash Support
Everything changed when Malual’s family qualified for the cash-for-food distribution project. After receiving the first round of support in March 2024, he began to experience renewed hope. He used part of the $205 CAD he received to purchase a 90 kg bag of sorghum, a staple grain widely used in South Sudan.
“At least I have enough to purchase sugar and cereals for my family to eat twice a day. I am becoming stronger now and will begin working on my farm again,” he shared.
Through this project, nearly 2,000 families have received monthly cash distributions, helping them meet immediate food needs while restoring dignity and choice.
In crises like this—often overlooked by the global community—support from people around the world makes a tangible difference. Through partnership with local organizations, World Renew continues to respond where needs are greatest, helping families access food in times of urgent need while building pathways toward longer-term resilience and recovery.
