Sudan's BOOST Project Launches with Comprehensive Environmental and Social Safeguards

A three‑year initiative to boost food production and empower women and youth through agribusiness is set to begin in Sudan’s Sennar and Blue Nile states. The project, led by the World Food Programme with partners CIMMYT, FAO and UN Women, has completed its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Management Plan (ESIA/MP), a prerequisite before any on‑ground activities. The ESIA/MP identifies risks, establishes a baseline and outlines mitigation measures. In September 2025, 21 community consultations involving 418 participants across four localities revealed that women are heavily involved in farming yet face obstacles and exploitation, child labour is widespread, pastoral conflicts exist, and pesticides are used without precautions. The plan will guide prevention, mitigation, and monitoring of these risks.