Sunday, July 6, 2025
  • News
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
  • Health
  • Opinion
  • Law & Order
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Sci-Tech
  • Behind The Brand
REGISTER
LOGIN
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times
  • News
    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Photo/Museveni X

    Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities

    Chavakali High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts

    Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts

    JKIA KAA

    KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport

    CJ Koome Launches Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide. Robert Alai

    Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts

    Motorists Stranded for Hours Along Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. PHOTO/Governor Kawira Mwangaza

    Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi during a Senate Budget and Finance Committee meeting at County Hall, Parliament Buildings on March 18, 2025. PHOTO/Treasury X.

    Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon appears before JLAC for vetting on May 31, 2025. PHOTO/National Assembly

    IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 Placements

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements

  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
    KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga speaking at a past event. PHOTO/KRA X

    KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry

    UK Leads in CBK Cross-Border Movement of Cash Survey

    Top Destinations Where Kenyans Are Wiring and Taking Physical Cash Abroad

    Co-op Partners with KTDA After Joining Africa's Top 25 List

    Co-op Bank to Invest Ksh1.2 Billion After Joining Africa’s Top 25 Largest Banks List

    EABL Names New Managing Director for Kenya in Major Leadership Shakeup

    EABL Names New Managing Director for KBL in Major Leadership Shakeup

    A person holding the Kenyan Shilling.

    Why Kenyan Shilling Has Strengthened in 2025 Compared to 2024

    Old Mutual offices

    Old Mutual to Cease Operations in South Sudan After Selling Tanzania Subsidiary

    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the announcement of the company's 2425 Financial Year results. PHOTO/Safaricom PLC

    Safaricom Reports Ksh69.8 Billion Profit Ahead of 2025 AGM

    The Commercial International Bank (CIB) announced the acquisition of Mayfair Bank in Kenya in 2019. PHOTO/Daily News

    Commercial International Bank (CIB) Owners, Branches & Loans Offered

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

  • Health
    Medical examiner or forensic scientist with dead man's corpse in morgue. Photo/ Pexel

    Pneumonia and Cancer Emerge Among Lead Causes of Death in Kenya

    Aga Khan University Hospital Section Head, Nuclear Radiology and Chair, Department of Radiology

    Aga Khan Leads the Region in Advancing Prostrate Cancer Treatment

    Kenyatta National Hospital Gets EIB Global Boost for Energy Supply

    European Union Bank Intervenes to Help KNH Solve Frequent Blackout Challenge

    Govt Confirms Ksh 46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Kenyan Govt Confirms Ksh46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Tips on How to Navigate Raising Adolescents Teenagers

    One in Five Kenyan Teens at Risk of Mental Health Disorders – Report

    A first aid kit. PHOTO: Independence

    Basic First Aid Procedure For Injured

    Huduma Center Building, Kenya.

    Huduma Kenya Introduces Sign Language Interpreters

    BCG Vaccines Shortage Adressed as Kenya Receives 3M Doses

    Duale Says Ruto Signed Law Allowing SHIF Deductions in December 2024

    SHA headquarters in Nairobi

    High Court Judge Says SHIF Deductions Are Illegal

  • Opinion
    Kenya 2025/26 Budget Draws Criticism Over Tax Burden

    Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    The Crisis of Discipline: How Weak Parenting is Shaping a Bleak Future for Our Youth

    Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action

    Why African Higher Education Should Focus on Disaster Management & Climate Change

    Govt to Recognize Jobless Kenyans Without Certificates. Miguna Miguna Calls Out Ruto On Useless Degrees Remarks

    Kenya’s Universities Are Producing Graduates, But Is the Industry Ready to Receive Them?

    Why Gen Z protests are a threat to Kenya's politics and status quo

    Gen Z Is Not Passing Cloud But Seismic Change

    Donald

    At June’s NATO Summit, Just Keeping Donald Trump in the Room Will Be Seen as A Victory

    NPSC Selection Panel Shortlists Eric Kiraithe, Mwachanya

    How To Stop Kenya’s Police from Killing with Impunity

    Health Worker Handling Mpox Vaccine Vials PHOTO/KBC

    Understanding How Mpox Spreads, Symptoms, and How to Prevent

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    Celebrating Father’s Day Unsung Heroes

  • Law & Order
    Sudan Army & Military soldiers patrol streets Juba PHOTO/UNICEF

    How Military Operations Get Their Codenames Around the World

    OCS Talaam

    Court Grants OCS Taalam Time in Albert Ojwang’ Death Inquest

    Guns recovered by police from civilians

    7 People Who Stole Guns During Gen Z Protests Arrested

    Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    New Twist as Businessman Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    LSK President Faith Odhiambo at a past function. PHOTO/Faith Odhiambo

    Faith Odhiambo Teaches Kenyans What to Do When Arrested During Protests

    NTSA on Road safety compliance checks at Luqman along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Photo/NTSA

    NTSA Introduces New Traffic Rules for School Buses, Matatus and Trucks

    Babu Owino Slams Sakaja Over Goons Disrupting Protests

    Babu Owino’s Message to Sakaja After Expose of Goons Hired to Disrupt Protests

    Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid

    Hussein Khalid Profile: Background, Education and Career

    Dusit D2 Terror Attack Suspects Found Guilty Sentenced

    Court Sentences Duo Found Guilty of Funding Dusit D2 Terror Attack

  • Sports
    Gor Mahia's defender Rooney Onyango (left) and his teammate Benson Omalla celebrate in a past match.

    Gor Mahia, Club CEO Ray Oruo Split Amidst Ongoing Overhaul

    Kenya Morans Humiliate Nigeria in Rugby Africa Sevens

    Simbas Name Squad As 2027 RWC Qualifiers Begins Tomorrow

    Traffic Police officers in a past assignment.

    Motorists Association of Kenya Expose NPS Traffic Extortion

    Key Lessons from the Great Gor Mahia Trophyless Season

    Key Lessons from the Trophyless Season by Great Gor Mahia

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy & Shocking”

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy &Shocking”

    Rally Italia Sardegna_Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team

    Hankook Tire Powers the WRC’s ‘EKO Acropolis Rally Greece’

    FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

    FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot Winners & All Time Top Scorers

    Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) Complex 60% Complete

    Olunga Shares Video of His World-Class Complex Nearing Completion

  • Entertainment
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Karangu Wa Muraya Criticised Over His SHA Praises.

    Karangu Muraya Faces Backlash After Appealing for Medical Support

    American Mogul Tyler Perry

    Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

    A photo of phone screens with the WhatsApp app. PHOTO/Nextpit.

    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads on Status & Channels

    Senator Hezena Lemaletian

    Senator Says Her Life Is in Danger After Rejecting Marriage Proposal

  • Lifestyle
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Murphy

    From Co-Stars to Family: Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Children Get Married

    Robbie Lyle, the Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionised Football Media

    Meet Robbie Lyle: The Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionized Football Media

    Ida Odinga and her husband Raila cut a cake at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi on August 24, 2023 at a party to celebrate her birthday and their anniversary.

    Raila Shares One Secret of a Lasting Marriage as He Graces Glamorous Wedding 

    Thriving business of Second-Hand Clothes PHOTO/Nation

    Leading Sources of Kenya’s Mitumba

    Cleaning a dirty fridge PHOTO/The Spruce

    Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Your Fridge

  • Sci-Tech
    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    Step by Step Guide to Managing Your Google Account Storage.

    Out of Google Storage? Here’s How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Important Data

    President William Ruto inspecting ongoing Affordable Housing Project. PHOTO/PCS.

    Zuku Launches Ksh10 Per Day Wi-Fi

    Microsoft Headquarters. PHOTO/ Microsft

    Why Microsoft is Firing 6,000 Employees After Sacking 10,000 Two Years Ago

    A collage of AI photo and an English love poem that has been translated into a local language by Simba AI PHOTO/CLA/Simba AI Launch

    Simba AI: Kenya’s First AI That Understands & Translates English into Local Language

    properties of AICAR and its possible impact on different research domains.

    AICAR Peptide: Insights into Its Possible Role in Research and Future Implications

  • Behind The Brand
  • News
    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Photo/Museveni X

    Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities

    Chavakali High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts

    Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts

    JKIA KAA

    KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport

    CJ Koome Launches Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide. Robert Alai

    Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts

    Motorists Stranded for Hours Along Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. PHOTO/Governor Kawira Mwangaza

    Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi during a Senate Budget and Finance Committee meeting at County Hall, Parliament Buildings on March 18, 2025. PHOTO/Treasury X.

    Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon appears before JLAC for vetting on May 31, 2025. PHOTO/National Assembly

    IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 Placements

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements

  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
    KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga speaking at a past event. PHOTO/KRA X

    KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry

    UK Leads in CBK Cross-Border Movement of Cash Survey

    Top Destinations Where Kenyans Are Wiring and Taking Physical Cash Abroad

    Co-op Partners with KTDA After Joining Africa's Top 25 List

    Co-op Bank to Invest Ksh1.2 Billion After Joining Africa’s Top 25 Largest Banks List

    EABL Names New Managing Director for Kenya in Major Leadership Shakeup

    EABL Names New Managing Director for KBL in Major Leadership Shakeup

    A person holding the Kenyan Shilling.

    Why Kenyan Shilling Has Strengthened in 2025 Compared to 2024

    Old Mutual offices

    Old Mutual to Cease Operations in South Sudan After Selling Tanzania Subsidiary

    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the announcement of the company's 2425 Financial Year results. PHOTO/Safaricom PLC

    Safaricom Reports Ksh69.8 Billion Profit Ahead of 2025 AGM

    The Commercial International Bank (CIB) announced the acquisition of Mayfair Bank in Kenya in 2019. PHOTO/Daily News

    Commercial International Bank (CIB) Owners, Branches & Loans Offered

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

  • Health
    Medical examiner or forensic scientist with dead man's corpse in morgue. Photo/ Pexel

    Pneumonia and Cancer Emerge Among Lead Causes of Death in Kenya

    Aga Khan University Hospital Section Head, Nuclear Radiology and Chair, Department of Radiology

    Aga Khan Leads the Region in Advancing Prostrate Cancer Treatment

    Kenyatta National Hospital Gets EIB Global Boost for Energy Supply

    European Union Bank Intervenes to Help KNH Solve Frequent Blackout Challenge

    Govt Confirms Ksh 46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Kenyan Govt Confirms Ksh46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Tips on How to Navigate Raising Adolescents Teenagers

    One in Five Kenyan Teens at Risk of Mental Health Disorders – Report

    A first aid kit. PHOTO: Independence

    Basic First Aid Procedure For Injured

    Huduma Center Building, Kenya.

    Huduma Kenya Introduces Sign Language Interpreters

    BCG Vaccines Shortage Adressed as Kenya Receives 3M Doses

    Duale Says Ruto Signed Law Allowing SHIF Deductions in December 2024

    SHA headquarters in Nairobi

    High Court Judge Says SHIF Deductions Are Illegal

  • Opinion
    Kenya 2025/26 Budget Draws Criticism Over Tax Burden

    Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    The Crisis of Discipline: How Weak Parenting is Shaping a Bleak Future for Our Youth

    Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action

    Why African Higher Education Should Focus on Disaster Management & Climate Change

    Govt to Recognize Jobless Kenyans Without Certificates. Miguna Miguna Calls Out Ruto On Useless Degrees Remarks

    Kenya’s Universities Are Producing Graduates, But Is the Industry Ready to Receive Them?

    Why Gen Z protests are a threat to Kenya's politics and status quo

    Gen Z Is Not Passing Cloud But Seismic Change

    Donald

    At June’s NATO Summit, Just Keeping Donald Trump in the Room Will Be Seen as A Victory

    NPSC Selection Panel Shortlists Eric Kiraithe, Mwachanya

    How To Stop Kenya’s Police from Killing with Impunity

    Health Worker Handling Mpox Vaccine Vials PHOTO/KBC

    Understanding How Mpox Spreads, Symptoms, and How to Prevent

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    Celebrating Father’s Day Unsung Heroes

  • Law & Order
    Sudan Army & Military soldiers patrol streets Juba PHOTO/UNICEF

    How Military Operations Get Their Codenames Around the World

    OCS Talaam

    Court Grants OCS Taalam Time in Albert Ojwang’ Death Inquest

    Guns recovered by police from civilians

    7 People Who Stole Guns During Gen Z Protests Arrested

    Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    New Twist as Businessman Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    LSK President Faith Odhiambo at a past function. PHOTO/Faith Odhiambo

    Faith Odhiambo Teaches Kenyans What to Do When Arrested During Protests

    NTSA on Road safety compliance checks at Luqman along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Photo/NTSA

    NTSA Introduces New Traffic Rules for School Buses, Matatus and Trucks

    Babu Owino Slams Sakaja Over Goons Disrupting Protests

    Babu Owino’s Message to Sakaja After Expose of Goons Hired to Disrupt Protests

    Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid

    Hussein Khalid Profile: Background, Education and Career

    Dusit D2 Terror Attack Suspects Found Guilty Sentenced

    Court Sentences Duo Found Guilty of Funding Dusit D2 Terror Attack

  • Sports
    Gor Mahia's defender Rooney Onyango (left) and his teammate Benson Omalla celebrate in a past match.

    Gor Mahia, Club CEO Ray Oruo Split Amidst Ongoing Overhaul

    Kenya Morans Humiliate Nigeria in Rugby Africa Sevens

    Simbas Name Squad As 2027 RWC Qualifiers Begins Tomorrow

    Traffic Police officers in a past assignment.

    Motorists Association of Kenya Expose NPS Traffic Extortion

    Key Lessons from the Great Gor Mahia Trophyless Season

    Key Lessons from the Trophyless Season by Great Gor Mahia

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy & Shocking”

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy &Shocking”

    Rally Italia Sardegna_Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team

    Hankook Tire Powers the WRC’s ‘EKO Acropolis Rally Greece’

    FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

    FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot Winners & All Time Top Scorers

    Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) Complex 60% Complete

    Olunga Shares Video of His World-Class Complex Nearing Completion

  • Entertainment
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Karangu Wa Muraya Criticised Over His SHA Praises.

    Karangu Muraya Faces Backlash After Appealing for Medical Support

    American Mogul Tyler Perry

    Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

    A photo of phone screens with the WhatsApp app. PHOTO/Nextpit.

    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads on Status & Channels

    Senator Hezena Lemaletian

    Senator Says Her Life Is in Danger After Rejecting Marriage Proposal

  • Lifestyle
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Murphy

    From Co-Stars to Family: Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Children Get Married

    Robbie Lyle, the Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionised Football Media

    Meet Robbie Lyle: The Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionized Football Media

    Ida Odinga and her husband Raila cut a cake at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi on August 24, 2023 at a party to celebrate her birthday and their anniversary.

    Raila Shares One Secret of a Lasting Marriage as He Graces Glamorous Wedding 

    Thriving business of Second-Hand Clothes PHOTO/Nation

    Leading Sources of Kenya’s Mitumba

    Cleaning a dirty fridge PHOTO/The Spruce

    Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Your Fridge

  • Sci-Tech
    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    Step by Step Guide to Managing Your Google Account Storage.

    Out of Google Storage? Here’s How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Important Data

    President William Ruto inspecting ongoing Affordable Housing Project. PHOTO/PCS.

    Zuku Launches Ksh10 Per Day Wi-Fi

    Microsoft Headquarters. PHOTO/ Microsft

    Why Microsoft is Firing 6,000 Employees After Sacking 10,000 Two Years Ago

    A collage of AI photo and an English love poem that has been translated into a local language by Simba AI PHOTO/CLA/Simba AI Launch

    Simba AI: Kenya’s First AI That Understands & Translates English into Local Language

    properties of AICAR and its possible impact on different research domains.

    AICAR Peptide: Insights into Its Possible Role in Research and Future Implications

  • Behind The Brand
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Sudan’s Prized Gum Trees Ward off Drought but Workers Wither

w/ AFP

by Carolyne Rabut
January 22, 2023
Reading Time: 5 mins read
Sudan

Gum arabic, a resin tapped from the acacia tree, is used in everything from soft drinks to pharmaceuticals but for leading world producer Sudan it is also seen as a key weapon in the fight against desertification | AFP

FacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWhatsApp

A vast belt of trees vital for global production of fizzy drinks helps Sudanese farmers adapt to climate change, but in the harsh drylands many are reluctant to take up the trade.

Gum Arabic, golden blobs of resin tapped from thorny acacia trees, is an emulsifying agent irreplaceable for global industry. The ingredients are used in everything from soft drinks to chewing gum and pharmaceuticals.

Sudan, in northeastern Africa, is among the countries hardest hit by climate change but is also the world’s largest producer of the raw gum.

“It’s an important tree to fight desertification as it is drought resistant — and also increases the soil fertility, essential to increasing crop production,” said Fatma Ramly, coordinator of the Gum Arabic Farmers’ Association, which counts seven million members.

To harvest the amber-colored resin, farmers must suffer the same climatic extremes as their trees.

“We work for hours on end under a burning sun,” said Mohammed Moussa, who collects resin at the state-owned Demokaya research forest, about thirty kilometers (20 miles) from the North Kordofan state capital, El Obeid.

Moussa faces a constant struggle with the shortage of water in desert Sudan. His earnings from the trees barely “provide enough money to buy water to cover us until the autumn” rainy season.

Also Read: Eritrea Troops Seen Leaving Tigray as US Hails ‘Withdrawal’ 

Laborious 

Sudan’s gum Arabic belt, which covers some 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles) from Gedaref in the east to Darfur on the border with Chad, has been hit hard by climate change which has seen growing encroachment by the desert | AFP

Recorded temperatures in Sudan’s Kordofan region have increased by almost two degrees Celsius in less than three decades, more than double the global average, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“Water scarcity is one of the key challenges for people” living in the acacia zone, said Madani Ismail, of the state-run Agricultural Research Corporation. 

Farmers also must contend with wide fluctuations in the price of gum on world commodity markets.

Forty-five kilograms (one hundred pounds) of raw gum can fetch 22,000 to 25,000 Sudanese pounds ($43), depending on the day’s price.

The return barely covers the cost of production for Abdelbaqi Ahmed, 52, who owns a 28-hectare (70-acre) plot of acacia trees in Botei, North Kordofan.

He cultivates other crops to help boost his income from the trees, whose bark he cuts with a “sunki” — a sharp blade attached to a long wooden shaft able to reach up high in the tree.

“It is a laborious task,” said Ahmed, who sometimes hires others to help with the tapping. “So, it doesn’t usually pay off.”

Others can’t be bothered at all. 

Some cut down the trees for building materials or firewood. Many works in the nearby gold mines, like four of Ahmed’s five sons.

For Abdallah Babiker, who also works in Demokaya, it’s the same. His three sons would rather prospect for gold than tend acacia trees. 

“They want work that earns more,” said Babiker, 72.

Export leader 

Sudanese exports of raw gum totaled $110 million in 2021, according to central bank figures, making it one of the country’s key foreign exchange earners | AFP

Since South Sudan broke away a decade ago, taking with it its large oil reserves, gum Arabic has been one of Sudan’s main foreign currency earners. 

Exports totaled 88,000 tones in 2021, earning $110 million, according to central bank figures.

That income has become more important since international donors cut aid following a 2021 military coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Sudanese exports account for 70 percent of global gum supplies, according to AFD, the French agency for development.

Their importance to the world economy earned them a special exemption from the US trade embargo imposed during the three-decade rule of now-ousted strongman Omar al-Bashir.

Efforts have been made to counter deforestation by boosting farmers’ incomes.

“We have been trying to replant trees in areas that experienced deterioration, and to prevent the gum Arabic belt from receding,” Ramly said.

Sudan’s gum Arabic belt covers about 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles) from Gedaref in the east through Kordofan to Darfur on the border with Chad.

The FAO has launched a $10 million project with Sudan’s forestry authority to support farmers and protect the trees. 

Farmers say it is difficult to persuade the younger generation there is an economic future in gum production despite the environmental benefits | AFP

Acacia boosts “soil moisture retention”, which helps farmers’ other crops, the FAO said.

The project, which seeks to reforest 125,000 hectares (310,000 acres), is part of the wider Great Green Wall project, which aims to contain desert encroachment by planting trees from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa.

The challenge now is to persuade young people that they can make a living in gum production.

Almost “all of the people who are doing this job are over 60”, Ramly said.

Ismail agreed. “Young people… often see it as unrewarding,” he said.

Tags: AgricultureClimateEnvironmentGum-ArabicSudan
Carolyne Rabut

Carolyne Rabut

Carolyne is a National Correspondent for The Kenya Times. She focuses on the ongoing political climate and national life stories in Kenya and Africa. She can be reached at [email protected].

Related Posts

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Photo/Museveni X

Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities

July 5, 2025
Chavakali High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts

Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts

July 5, 2025
JKIA KAA

KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport

July 5, 2025
CJ Koome Launches Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide. Robert Alai

Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts

July 5, 2025
Advertisement

LATEST ARTICLES

  • Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities
  • Gladys Boss Profile: Educational Background, Career, and Family
  • David Kangogo Profile: Educational Background , Career, Family and Networth
  • Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts
  • KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport
  • Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26
  • Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts
  • Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway
  • Traffic Disruption on Southern Bypass as Oil Tanker Overturns
  • List of Countries with Official State Religions Around the World
  • Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA
  • Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes
  • IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register
  • Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements
  • KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry
Advertisement

Company

About Us

Our Authors

Our Experts

Social Media

Policies

Privacy Policy

House Rules

Standards and Policies

Terms and Conditions

Subscription

My Account

Contact Us

Contact Us

Join Our Team

Advertise With Us

© Copyright 2025 | The Kenya Times | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Your Privacy and Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
LOGIN | REGISTER
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Diaspora News
    • National News
    • World News
  • Weather
  • Climate
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Environment
  • Business
    • Banking
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Money Markets
    • Real Estate
    • Startups
  • Health
    • Mens Health
    • Mental Health
    • Wellness
    • Womens Health
  • Law & Order
    • Cyber Crime
    • Courts
    • Financial Fraud
    • Missing Persons
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Movies
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Culture
    • Disabilities Matters
    • Family
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Human Interest
    • Travel & Tourism
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters to Editor
    • John Mukum Mbaku
    • Makau Mutua
    • Peter Ongera
    • Salim Lone
    • XN Iraki
  • Sci-Tech
  • Behind The Brand
  • Contact Us

© 2024 The Kenya Times | Our Privacy Policy | Standards and Policies | House Rules