Meet the Team: from growing up in Darfur to saving lives in one of the world’s toughest regions

7 Questions with Adam Hammad, Logistics Officer for WFP in Sudan.

Adam Hammad grew up in Darfur and has dedicated much of his career to supporting vulnerable communities in the region and across Sudan. A logistics officer for the World Food Programme in Gadaref, eastern Sudan - a critical humanitarian hub for WFP - he has now been deployed to support WFP operations across the states of Darfur, using his deep knowledge of the region to drive impactful humanitarian efforts.

In November 2024, Adam led an aid convoy from Port Sudan to Kalma Camp in Beleil, South Darfur—an area at high risk of famine—delivering 178 metric tons of food and nutrition assistance to nearly 15,000 people. This mission, one of the most challenging experiences of his life, marked a pivotal moment in his ongoing commitment to humanitarian work in his home region.

In this interview, Adam shares his personal story of growing up in one of the most dangerous places on earth, the emotional weight of providing lifesaving food assistance, and the deep motivation that keeps him risking his life to support his own community.

Meet Adam Hammad through our 7 Questions.

I’m from El Daein in Eastern Darfur, Sudan. My journey with the World Food Programme began in 2008 at WFP’s field office in North Kordofan. After working with a few humanitarian organizations in Darfur, including Catholic Relief Services and CARE International, I landed my first job at WFP as a storekeeper.

I attended the University of Kordofan, where I studied English and geography. While these subjects might seem unrelated to being a storekeeper, they actually helped me a lot! Learning English improved my communication skills, and geography helped me understand where different places are and how to transport supplies there. Later, I took on a role with the UN Monitoring Mechanism (UNMM) for Syria, based in Jordan, where I focused on coordinating and overseeing humanitarian assistance. But Sudan has always been home, and I was drawn back to WFP because that’s where I thrive.

WFP’s clear mission and strong values resonate with me. Beyond fighting hunger, WFP fosters an environment where employees are valued and supported, making it a place where I can grow while making a real impact.

I’m now a logistics officer with WFP in Gadaref, Eastern Sudan, but I’m currently deployed in Darfur for a three-month mission. My role includes visiting all Darfur towns, facilitating humanitarian convoys, assessing new warehouses, recovering WFP’s vehicles left behind when the conflict erupted and ensuring food reaches those who need it most.

Leading a humanitarian convoy to Darfur was one of the most demanding experiences of my life. It wasn’t just a mission; it was a profound responsibility. There are no warehouses in Kordofan or Darfur, so the convoy had to start in Port Sudan, and the journey stretched over 2,000 kilometres, crossing dangerous and unpredictable terrain. It took one month. My team and I were both determined and anxious, acutely aware of the inherent risks, while our families back home dealt with their fear for us.

A significant challenge arose in areas controlled by tribal groups who demanded financial payments for safe passage, severely disrupting commercial truck movements. As a humanitarian organization, adhering to our neutrality policy, we were unable to comply with these demands, which significantly impacted our WFP-contracted transporters. We responded by mobilizing WFP’s fleet of trucks and engaging in extensive advocacy, emphasizing humanitarian principles along the route. This resulted in unavoidable delays, but ultimately, we successfully navigated the region without resorting to payments.

Despite the logistical hurdles and inherent dangers, our commitment remained committed to reach famine-affected areas. Our convoy was originally headed for the Zamzam camp in North Sudan - the only place in the world where famine has been confirmed – but due to ongoing fighting between Khazain Gadeed and Zamzam, the convoy had to be diverted to South Darfur’s Kalma camp – another place at risk of famine.

Along the way, we witnessed the raw reality of hunger—people struggling for survival, displaced children, and pregnant women in desperate need.

We encountered profound loss, pain, and suffering. Yet, as we approached our destination, we also witnessed resilience: children's smiles, families waving. In those moments, every hardship, every risk, every sleepless night became profoundly meaningful.

For me, this is the essence of humanitarian work: showing up, upholding our mission, and ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. It's about bearing witness to suffering and delivering hope.

I was born in El Daein, in East Darfur. Growing up there was a bit like trying to climb a hill—it was tough, but we kept trying to make things better. We wanted to get a good education and have good lives, just like anyone else. But, like in many places, things weren’t easy. A lot of my friends and family couldn’t finish school because of various problems. Sometimes, there were fights between different groups, and sometimes there were bigger wars between the government and other armed groups. It made it hard to focus on school and build a good future.

My family is part of a large group in that area, and sadly, we went through some very hard times. I lost over 500 people from my larger family and more than 100 from my close family. That’s a lot of people, and it shows how much the war hurt our community.

Growing up in Darfur meant seeing and experiencing things no one should have to see. It’s like trying to grow a plant in a place where there’s not enough water or sunshine—it’s difficult, but you keep trying.

After graduating from university, I worked in Darfur for several years, which was rewarding yet filled with challenges. Being a local, I know the geography well and am aware of the intersections and humanitarian gaps. I started working in the humanitarian sector just seven days after graduating, and I’ve had the opportunity to work across all states in Darfur, from Geneina, Nyala, and El Fasher to Al-Daein. I have built good relationships with humanitarian actors, government officials, and community leaders. I’ve witnessed the resilience of the people and the tough circumstances they face, which deepens my commitment to devote my time and efforts to achieving our mission.

The eruption of the war has fundamentally altered my work routine, shifting my focus entirely to emergency response. When I’m not deployed to Darfur, I lead the logistics team in the Gadaref area, a critical hub for Eastern Sudan operations, serving refugees from Tigray and other areas in Sudan like Wad Madani, Sennar, Damazine, and other WFP hubs. This region is not only a primary destination for displaced people but also a vital grain-producing area, boasting significant silo capacity. My workday typically stretches from before sunrise to well after sunset, is now dedicated to ensuring the efficient flow of assistance.

Each morning, my team and I meticulously develop and review our daily logistics activity plans. Our primary objective is to ensure the timely uplift of procured sorghum from suppliers, preventing any delays in aid and emergency response efforts. This involves intricate coordination with suppliers and local authorities, all aimed at proactively addressing challenges and securing necessary permits. Being directly in the field provides me with invaluable, real-time insights, enabling me to provide accurate information for informed decision-making. This direct involvement is crucial in navigating the dynamic and often unpredictable environment.

To relax after a demanding day, I engage in a period of reflection, analyzing the day's challenges and thinking about precautionary measures to mitigate future risks. I might then share a simple meal or connect with colleagues, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Finally, regardless of the day's trials, I  watch soccer matches, particularly if Barcelona is playing, as a way to unwind and find a moment of normalcy.

Leading that convoy to Darfur was incredibly challenging, particularly during an ambush where we faced armed men. Other difficult moments included negotiating safe routes under constant threat and prioritizing the safety of my team. I also experienced airstrikes, forcing me to take shelter in trenches, especially in Nyala and Al-Kuma. Traveling across four Darfur states to conduct warehouse assessments was also exceptionally risky in the current environment.

The hope of making a tangible difference is my primary motivation. Knowing that each food box we deliver can save lives and bring a moment of relief to families strengthens my resolve during these difficult times. Beyond that, several factors keep me going. Importantly, we are not travelling alone; we know management’s eyes are on us, and we receive unwavering support. We benefit from the constant, invaluable advice of colleagues in the security department and the strong team spirit that prevails despite the challenges. We maintain constant communication through official channels and WhatsApp groups, ensuring everyone is informed and able to react quickly. For example, if a vehicle breaks down, the Deputy Country Director is immediately notified, streamlining decision-making and minimizing risks.

Ultimately, it’s the desperate need of my community that drives me to face these challenges. In fact, I declined an international offer to lead this convoy, choosing instead to support the supply chain efforts in the Darfur region and stand with my fellow Sudanese people during this critical time.

The supply chain situation in Sudan is extremely precarious, hindering our ability to consistently reach populations at risk of famine. Key challenges include severe shortages of truck capacity, fuel shortages, limited and often unsafe transportation routes, the high risk of looting, poor road infrastructure - especially during the rainy season, which delays and obstructs our convoys - and the long distances to reach remote and affected areas. In Darfur, all WFP warehouses have been destroyed, which also impacts our storage capacity. Most importantly, we are struggling with access due to ongoing fighting and insecurity.

Despite these obstacles, we have managed several convoys to deliver essential aid. The scale of the humanitarian crisis requires a significant increase of deliveries though. We are actively planning and coordinating additional convoys to expand our reach. The supply chain team in Sudan is working tirelessly to mitigate these challenges and has achieved notable progress under these extremely challenging conditions. We are continuously seeking solutions to improve access and efficiency, but the situation remains highly volatile.

The resilience and gratitude of the people we support is what motivates me. The hope we see when we provide assistance reminds me of the importance of our work. The confidence of WFP’s management, for example assigning me to lead a convoy to Darfur during that critical time, also keeps me going. The mutual respect for my supply chain colleagues, security and access teams, also encourages us to put in extra effort.

My hope for the future is to see a stable and peaceful Sudan where people can live without fear of famine or violence. I dream of a day when we can provide sustainable support and see communities rebuild their lives. I also look forward to taking on greater responsibilities within WFP. I have much to achieve in that regard, and I believe my talent, motivation, skills, and capacity will assist me in achieving such goals.