El-Obeid: The Dean of the Gum Arabic Research and Desertification Studies Institute at the University of Kordofan, Dr. Hamdoun Ali Abdel-Rahman, has announced plans to plant 20,000 acacia tree seedlings. The initiative aims to cover 100 hectares and assist in the restoration of sections of the gum Arabic belt.
According to Sudan News Agency, Dr. Abdel-Rahman highlighted the challenges faced by the gum Arabic sector due to the ongoing war. The conflict has led to the displacement of small producers and damage to infrastructure, further exacerbated by climate change and land clearing. The institute comprises several departments focusing on production, marketing, and sustainable management, including the Production Technology Department, Extension, Training and Documentation, Economics and Policy, Desertification and Environmental Studies, and the Gum Chemistry and Manufacturing Department.
Dr. Abdel-Rahman expressed the institute’s goal to enhance the Chemistry and Manufacturing Laboratory by equipping it with modern tools for gum research and to introduce gum Arabic into high-value products. This effort is part of broader programs supported by the European Union, aimed at training communities and boosting their capabilities, in collaboration with forestry bodies and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A recent workshop at the University of Kordofan focused on sustainable management of gum Arabic, addressing challenges such as smuggling, export issues, and quality improvement, with the intention of forming actionable recommendations for sustainable management.