The Role of Farmers Associations in Rehabilitation Sudan’s Gum Arabic Belt after the War, Dr Fatima Ramly

Dr Fatima Mohamed Ahmed Ramly
National Coordinator, Gum Arabic Producers’ Associations
Sudan Forests National Corporation
Sudan

Abstract: Sudan’s gum arabic sector—a linchpin of rural livelihoods and global industry—has suffered unprecedented setbacks following the outbreak of war in 2023. Prior to the conflict, Sudan contributed up to 80% of global gum arabic exports, primarily harvested from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees found across Kordofan, Darfur, Sinnar, Blue and White Nile. This paper explores the evolving role of farmer associations in the post-conflict rehabilitation of the gum arabic belt. We analyze their capacity to mitigate damage, coordinate recovery efforts, and re-establish sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on recent field data, institutional partnerships, and comparative experience in post-conflict rural restoration, we position farmer associations not only as key resilience actors but also as strategic stakeholders in Sudan’s economic recovery.

Keywords: Gum Arabic; Sudan; Farmer Associations; Post-conflict Recovery; Agroforestry; Resilience; Drylands; Value Chain.