Gum Arabic Producers' Opinions and Views towards Gum Arabic Marketing Policies-and Strategies, Sudan

Abstract

The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the opinions and views of gum Arabic producers towards Gum Arabic marketing policies in Sudan. Primary data were collected in 2016, using a structured questionnaire and 150 gum Arabic producers were interviewed, representing 20% of the targeted population in the study. Secondary data were collected from related official documents. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to investigate the opinions views and socio-economic characteristics of the stakeholders. The results indicated that about (97%) of the respondents preferred the free-trade policy to concession as it gives more price incentives to producers (98%), encouraging producers (98%). There are 98 % of the producers conserve and reforest instead of cutting Hashab trees. All the respondents confirmed the prices are higher post-free-trade than pre-free-trade period. 74% of the gum producers were economically active including the young; this indicated continuing to preserve indigenous knowledge techniques of gum Arabic production across generations. The study recommended continuing the free-trade policy in the production and marketing of gum Arabic, involving the private sector to provide credit to the gum Arabic producers to expand their gum production area. Improve infrastructure and basic services in the gum Arabic production areas.