Revitalizing Sudan’s Gum Arabic sector: post-conflict challenges and sustainable solutions, Prof. Tarig Elsheikh, Dr Manal Khiery, Dr Hassan Mofadel
Professor Tarig Elsheikh Mahmoud and Dr Manal Khiery
Kampala International University
Kampala
Uganda
Dr Hassan Ibrahim A. Mofadel
Kenana Sugar Company
Khartoum
Sudan
Purpose: The conflict in Sudan has devastating effects on the gum Arabic sector, a critical component of its economy and culture. This chapter investigates these effects and develops urgent and sustainable solutions for rebuilding the gum Arabic sector in Sudan’s post-war, focusing on post-conflict recovery, sustainable development, and economic resilience.
Methodology: A multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge, diverse perspectives, and expert judgment, is used to address these complex challenges, drawing upon natural resource management, socio-economic analysis, and conflict studies.
Findings: The ongoing conflict has devastating and far-reaching effects, including destruction of gum Arabic trees for military and energy purposes, leading to deforestation. The displacement of gum arabic producers, resulting in the loss of indigenous knowledge and disruption of the gum Arabic supply and value chain, impacting market access. The security unrest and looting of gum Arabic factories, causing infrastructure damage. Thus rampant smuggling, undermining formal trade. These factors have led to a sharp decline in gum Arabic production and exports, affecting agricultural livelihoods.
Contribution and Practical Implications: Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 7, and 16, the chapter provides practical solutions to rebuild this sector. These include fostering a national and global consensus to support producers, emphasizing producer support mechanisms. As well suggesting mechanisms to stop illegal cutting of forest resources, promoting forest conservation. Also promoting the use of renewable alternative energies and using remote sensing and GIS for change detection and rehabilitation of the gum Arabic belt.
Limitations: Implementation of these solutions may require strong political will and willingness of local communities, highlighting the importance of community engagement and political stability. Accordingly, further research is needed to support this roadmap, emphasizing the need for policy development and implementation strategies.
Keywords: Gum Arabic, Sudan, Post-Conflict Recovery, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Deforestation, Renewable Energy, Remote Sensing, GIS, Supply and Value Chains, Indigenous Knowledge.