Sudans satellite imagery shows devastating impact of civil war on agricultural region

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Satellite Imagery Reveals Devastating Impact of War on Sudan’s Agriculture

Recent satellite imagery has provided a clear picture of the devastating impact of war on Sudan’s agriculture sector. An investigation by Al Jazeera using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has revealed widespread destruction to the country’s largest irrigated farming projects in central states.

The fertile plains of central Sudan, known as the “breadbasket” of the country, have been severely affected by the conflict. Satellite images show a significant decline in vegetation cover, with once-vibrant green grids now faded into a barren, dusty brown. The Gezira Scheme, an irrigation project launched in 1959, has been particularly hard hit, with wheat production plummeting by 58% during the 2023-2024 season.

According to independent assessments, including a study by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the collapse of the agricultural system was caused by the systematic dismantling of infrastructure. The European Union Agency for Asylum documented instances of RSF fighters diverting irrigation channels, flooding agricultural lands, and using bags of harvested crops as makeshift bridges.

The economic impact on the farming community has been severe, with prices for fertilizers and tractor rentals increasing significantly. The national seed bank was also looted, and World Food Programme warehouses were drained of food supplies intended to sustain 1.5 million people for a month.

In addition to the agricultural sector, the conflict has had a significant impact on the country’s food security. A telecommunications blackout imposed by the RSF in early 2024 paralyzed financial transfers, forcing the closure of 200 out of 300 local soup kitchens that were providing essential support to displaced families.

The data collected from satellite imagery provides a stark picture of the devastating impact of war on Sudan’s agriculture sector and highlights the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera