World Vision spokespeople available for interview, including on
- New satellite analysis showing nearly 40,000 km² of Sudan's farmland, an area the size of Switzerland, degraded since conflict began in 2023
- The toll on children: 1.8 million forced across borders, 3.7 million displaced within Sudan, and 41% of the population in acute hunger
- FMNR, the Australian-born regreening technique already restoring land in Sudan's neighbouring countries, a proven fix but only once access and peace allow.
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Domi Gonzales at [email protected] or 0413 788 380.
Claire McIlroy at [email protected] or 0422 925 100.
“The sky was black with smoke… we ran until we could not breathe.”
These are the words of 11-year-old Yusuf* who fled his village in Sudan after his family home was shelled, arriving in a place where he says there is “nothing but dust.”
A new World Vision report, The Hollowed Earth, reveals the crisis facing Yusuf – and millions of children like him in Sudan – is now visible from space. High-resolution satellite analysis shows nearly 40,000 square kilometres of Sudan’s farmland – an area the size of Switzerland or two million Melbourne Cricket Grounds – has been degraded since conflict erupted in April 2023.
Sudan is facing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 1.8 million children forced across borders and more than 3.7 million children displaced within the country. An estimated 41% of the population is trapped in acute hunger, including 5.5 million people in emergency or catastrophic conditions.
World Vision Australia CEO Grant Bayldon said the findings should stop Australians in their tracks. “Behind every hectare of lost farmland is a child just like Yusuf who is going to bed hungry, and parents choosing which of their children eats today. The land that fed Sudan’s children is disappearing before our eyes, and with it, their future,” Mr Bayldon said.
“But this land is not lost forever. Australians helped pioneer the very technique that could bring it back. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration, developed by World Vision’s own Tony Rinaudo, was born in Niger in the 1980s amid desperation, hunger and violence not unlike what we see in Sudan today. It is already restoring degraded land in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic: Sudan’s neighbours.”
The report compares satellite ‘health checks’ of Sudan’s agricultural zones between 2023 and 2025, revealing severe damage to the historic Gezira Scheme, one of the world’s largest irrigation networks, and sharp declines across the Sorghum Belt that traditionally provides 80 per cent of the country’s cereal.
“The land that feeds Sudan’s children and their families is disappearing,” said Simon Mane, World Vision Sudan National Director. “Without urgent action, this crisis will leave a generation facing lifelong damage.”
“Recovery is possible, but it can only begin once access and peace allow. That is why World Vision remains firmly committed to peace, and why the generosity of Australians matters so much right now,” Mr Bayldon said.
Since the conflict began, World Vision has reached 3.2 million people in Sudan, including one million children, with food, cash, health services and protection, and continues supporting farmers with seeds, tools, livestock and water systems.
Australians can support World Vision’s response or find out more at worldvision.com.au.
ENDS.
*Name changed to protect identity.
Notes to Editors
- The Hollowed Earth: How the prolonged conflict in Sudan is affecting children and their families is available at wvi.org. Satellite imagery, maps, photography and case studies are available for media use.
- Simon Mane, World Vision Sudan National Director, is available for interview from Port Sudan.
- Tony Rinaudo AM, World Vision's Principal Climate Action Advisor, pioneered Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), a low-cost land restoration technique now practised in more than 40 countries.
About us:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Contact details:
Domi Gonzales | [email protected] | 0413 788 380.
Claire McIlroy | [email protected] | 0422 925 100.
