IFAD Launches Comprehensive Program Evaluation in Sudan and Seven Other Nations

Khartoum: A regional evaluation mission from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has commenced a field visit to Sudan, scheduled from July 5 to 17, as part of a comprehensive assessment including eight conflict-affected countries in the Near East and North Africa region, spanning the period from 2016 to 2025.According to Sudan News Agency, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mohamed Nour Abdel Dayim, met with the mission on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Acting Undersecretary Dr. Mohamed Ali Juma, Director General of the External Finance Directorate Ikhlas Mohamed Ali, along with representatives from the Administration and the Central Coordination Unit for IFAD projects. The Minister of State reiterated the Ministry's commitment to fully cooperating with the IFAD mission, ensuring the provision of all necessary data and information to facilitate their evaluation efforts.During the discussions, it was highlighted that the ongoing war had severely damaged agricultur al infrastructure, including irrigation networks, roads, and storage facilities. The dual impact of conflict and climate change has exacerbated food security challenges and diminished agricultural production. The need for IFAD to update its programs to address the war-affected conditions was emphasized, alongside initiatives to activate agricultural production and supply chains, and bolster agricultural and livestock value chains to enhance the value of Sudan's exports and contribute to national development and reconstruction.The meeting also focused on adopting modern agricultural technologies and fostering stronger international partnerships through IFAD to support Sudan's agricultural development. Participants reflected on Sudan's rich agricultural heritage and its long-standing partnership with IFAD since the 1970s, underscoring the necessity for increased support from the Fund.Further discussions addressed aligning the Ministry's vision with IFAD's priorities and the organization's role in supporting reconstruction and recovery in conflict-affected rural areas. The discourse reaffirmed the government's priority of aiding affected rural communities and Sudan's commitment to its partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development.The evaluation mission comprises five experts, led by Senior Evaluation Officer Paolo Silveri, along with Rami Assaf, Michael Thomas, Damien Robson, and national consultant Yasser Ahmed Abdel Hafeez Omar. A draft evaluation report is anticipated in February 2027, with the final report scheduled for April 2027, to be presented to IFAD's Executive Board in October 2027.