The ongoing conflict in Sudan has significantly impacted the production of gum arabic, a key export commodity for the country. Production has declined from 500,000 tons to 250,000 tons, according to reports from the Sudanese News Agency. The war has disrupted the gum arabic supply chain, particularly in regions controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF's control of the city of Nuhud, a major production hub, has led to widespread looting and smuggling of the commodity.
The decline in gum arabic production and trade has had far-reaching consequences for the region. The RSF's takeover of Nuhud has resulted in the smuggling of gum arabic to neighboring countries, including Chad, which has become a major exporter of the commodity. The price of gum arabic has also been affected, with a 15% increase in prices reported in some regions. The Sudanese government has struggled to maintain control over the production and trade of gum arabic, with many producers and traders fleeing to safer areas.
The impact of the war on gum arabic production has been exacerbated by the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of farmers. Many farmers have been forced to abandon their farms, leading to a significant decline in production. The Sudanese government has accused the RSF of targeting gum arabic producers and traders, further exacerbating the crisis. The conflict has also led to the cutting of trees for charcoal, which has further reduced the availability of gum arabic.
According to Omar Wud Abaker, a member of the Gum Arabic Association, the conflict has highlighted the need for stronger laws and regulations to protect gum arabic production. He noted that the current laws and regulations are inadequate, allowing for widespread smuggling and looting of the commodity. The Sudanese government has been urged to take action to protect gum arabic production and trade.
Economic experts have warned that the decline in gum arabic production and trade will have significant economic implications for Sudan. Ibrahim Al-Kanani, an economic expert, noted that the conflict has had a devastating impact on the gum arabic sector, which is a major source of revenue for the country. He called for the government to take urgent action to restore stability to the sector and protect the livelihoods of gum arabic producers.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on the livelihoods of gum arabic producers and traders. Yousuf Mohamed Ahmed Habibi, Secretary-General of the North Kordofan Chamber of Commerce, noted that the war has disrupted the gum arabic trade, leading to significant economic losses for producers and traders. He called for urgent action to restore stability to the sector and protect the livelihoods of those affected.
The Sudanese government has been urged to take action to address the crisis in the gum arabic sector. The conflict has highlighted the need for stronger laws and regulations to protect gum arabic production and trade. The government has also been urged to provide support to gum arabic producers and traders affected by the conflict.
Key points
- Sudan's gum arabic production has declined significantly due to the ongoing conflict.
- The conflict has disrupted the gum arabic supply chain, leading to widespread looting and smuggling.
- The decline in gum arabic production and trade has had significant economic implications for Sudan.
