A traditional agroforestry system under threat: an analysis of the gum arabic market and cultivation in the Sudan

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to review the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of the gum arabic farming system in central Sudan. A further aim is to analyse some of the main factors influencing production in recent decades in order to understand the future trade potential and consequently the smallholder livelihood. The study shows that end-user imports of gum arabic have increased during recent decades. Gum arabic is mainly for uses such as soft drinks, confectionary, and pharmaceuticals. However, even with this increased demand the production in Sudan, the main country of production, is declining. The producers, mainly smallholders, suffer from fluctuating prices. If the gum arabic farming system should be able to provide the environmental benefits of improved soil fertility and the socioeconomic benefits of risk spreading and dry season income opportunities, the prices paid to smallholders must be stabilized at a fair level, otherwise a shift to other crops or practices might take place.

Livelihood diversification: continuity and change in the Sahel

“…The correlation was confirmed by several villages where the respondents stated that low production could be the effect of low precipitation. However, correlations have not been found on regional data (Elmqvist et al, 2005;Olsson, 1985). The different average annual precipitation between the areas can be one reason for the observed differences in gum arabic production.…”

“…However, to explain the observed differences between the two areas it is crucial to understand some of the direct and indirect (Lambin, Geist, & Lepers, 2003) driving forces of gum arabic production. Some studies have already been carried out on the subject, but most have applied regional and national approaches and have not involved local interviews (Elmqvist, Olsson, Mirghani Elamin, & Warren, 2005). The driving forces stated during the interviews differed within areas, but there were also differences between the two areas and here follows a discussion on the indirect and direct causes (the causes below are not listed in terms of importance).…”

Ethephon: a tool to boost gum arabic production from Acacia senegal and to enhance gummosis processes

“…In this country, A. senegal is cultivated in agroforestry systems (Elmqvist et al 2005), whereas in other producing countries such as Nigeria, Chad and Senegal, most the gum originates from natural stands (NGARA 2004). However, natural and maintained stands face huge human pressure, which has reduced the tree populations, either for the use of wood or through a shortening of fallow periods (Elmqvist et al 2005). Therefore, despite a consistent demand, gum arabic production has decreased from 1960 to 1996 (NGARA, 2004).…”

“…In Sudan for example, the revenue from gum arabic represents about 4 % of total national revenue (Elmqvist et al 2005). In this country, A. senegal is cultivated in agroforestry systems (Elmqvist et al 2005), whereas in other producing countries such as Nigeria, Chad and Senegal, most the gum originates from natural stands (NGARA 2004). However, natural and maintained stands face huge human pressure, which has reduced the tree populations, either for the use of wood or through a shortening of fallow periods (Elmqvist et al 2005).…”

“…Moreover, as A. senegal grows in dry conditions, it can represent a significant source of monetary income for local communities of these areas. In Sudan for example, the revenue from gum arabic represents about 4 % of total national revenue (Elmqvist et al 2005). In this country, A. senegal is cultivated in agroforestry systems (Elmqvist et al 2005), whereas in other producing countries such as Nigeria, Chad and Senegal, most the gum originates from natural stands (NGARA 2004).…”