Food Insecurity and Poverty Dynamics among Rural Households in Eastern Sudan: Evidence from the Red Sea State

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between food insecurity and poverty among rural households in Red Sea State, Eastern Sudan. Drawing on a cross-sectional household survey conducted across three localities—Suakin, Port Sudan, and Arbaat—the analysis applies the FAO Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and chi-square statistical tests to examine how gender, migration status, education, and household size influence welfare outcomes. Based on a field survey of 394 households across Suakin, Port Sudan, and Algonub (Arbaat), the study examines demographic characteristics, income-generating strategies, food insecurity, and poverty prevalence. Results reveal that 47.2% of households experience moderate to severe food insecurity, and 84.5% live living below the international poverty threshold of USD 1.90/day. Disaggregated findings reveal significant disparities: Only 17% of female-headed households are food secure compared to 39.9% of male-headed households, while 94.3% of females live below the poverty line versus 81.7% of males. Migration status further amplifies vulnerability—none of the refugee households were food secure, and 100% live in poverty, compared to 13.8% food security and 93.3% poverty among IDPs, and 37.8% food security and 83.2% poverty among host communities. These insights underscore the importance of gender-sensitive and migration-aware policy interventions to build resilience and reduce poverty in fragile rural contexts.