Unlocking the Potential of Sudan’s Gum Arabic Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development, Elsayed Elhassan
Elsayed Elhassan Abdalla Elsedig
Manufacturing Technologist
Uganda
ORCID: 0009-0009-2692-378X
Paper Type: Editorial
Received: 20 June 2025 / Revised: 17 July 2025 / Accepted: 18 July 2025 / Published: 22 July 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.IJGA.1.1-2.2025.5
Purpose: This article examines Sudan's gum Arabic industry, evaluating its potential and trade, livelihood, peacebuilding, and green finance challenges, and suggesting sustainable development strategies.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review methodology underpins this study, exploring published research on the production, trade, socioeconomic impacts, and environmental sustainability of gum Arabic within Sudan.
Findings: Sudan, a leading gum Arabic exporter, mainly ships raw gum, thus restricting economic gains. Low production, poor trade terms (including lengthy negotiations and low prices), political instability, drought, and local market problems hinder progress. This industry is a significant source of income, particularly for women. Exploring peacebuilding and green finance potential, the study highlights challenges such as market volatility and unsustainable harvesting.
Originality/Value: This study offers a novel, holistic sustainable development strategy for Sudan by integrating the multifaceted contributions of gum Arabic to trade, livelihoods, peace, and green finance. Specific negotiation strategies and case studies add to the book's value.
Research Limitations/Implications: Empirical analysis is shallower due to limitations in the literature review. To validate findings and explore specific details, further primary data collection is necessary. Without specific quantitative data, drawing precise conclusions about economic impacts is restricted.
Practical Implications: Policymakers, stakeholders, and international organizations can use the findings for practical guidance. Policy reforms, infrastructure investment, skill development programs, and sustainable harvesting techniques are all included. The study also emphasizes how green finance can boost sustainable investment and safeguard the environment.
Keywords: Gum Arabic; Sustainable Development; Value Addition; Trade Bargaining Power.
Citation: Elsayed Elhassan Abdalla Elsedig (2025): Unlocking the Potential of Sudan's Gum Arabic Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development. International Journal of Gum Arabic (IJGA), Vol. 1, No. 1/2, pp. xx-xx