ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF GUM ARABIC PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATIONS (GAPAS) IN REHABILITATION OF GUM ARABIC BELT: CASE OF NORTH AND WEST KORDOFAN STATES, SUDAN

Abstract

The research aimed to investigate the involvement of Gum Arabic Producers' Associations (GAPAs) in the rehabilitation of the gum Arabic belt in North and West Kordofan States, Sudan. Data were collected through social surveys of household heads, interviews, and observations, as well as remote sensing images from 1998, 2009, and 2020. Secondary data were obtained from different literature sources. The data were analysed using SPSS and ERDAS software. The results of the social survey showed that the establishment of GAPAs coincided with an increase in gum-producing trees, but GAPAs did not directly contribute to the rehabilitation process. Instead, the rehabilitation efforts were carried out through collaborations between the Forests National Corporation (FNC), multi-donor projects, and GAPAs. The remote sensing results showed changes in vegetation cover over the study period, with an increase in dense, moderate, and sparse vegetation cover classes. The research concluded that GAPAs have a significant impact on the enhancement of vegetation cover. External institutions played a role in the restocking of gum trees. It was recommended that GAPAs be strengthened through capacity building and the adoption of technology to improve gum production. FNC should encourage micro-financial institutions to support rehabilitation projects, utilise mapping to protect the gum gardens, and monitor the rehabilitation processes.