THE CONSTRAINTS OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE TRADITIONAL RAINFED SECTOR IN SUDAN A STUDY OF NORTH DARFUR STATE

Abstract

This study shed light on the main constraints of agricultural development in the traditional rainfed sector of Sudan through investigating the situation of agriculture in North Darfur State, more specifically in Darelslam and Umkdada districts. The study area is one of the most important agricultural regions in North Darfur State; it contributes in food production beside cash crops. Despite the above mentioned importance, the agricultural production in DarElslam and Umkdada districts suffers many problems (economical, technological, environmental and social problems) that hinder its development and success resulting in low yield and low income. These problems are: a. The shortage of agricultural credit, agricultural inputs, low farm- income and limited chances of off- farm income (SMAAWI, 1994 and 2004, ITDG, 2000 and 2001 and MET, 2000). b. The limited use of technology as a result of lack of technology and absence of know-how (SMAAWI, 2004). c. Variability of rain in amount and distribution within the same year and from year to year and low soil fertility (SMAAWI, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006, Amin, 2002, MET, 2000 and ITDG, 2000). d. Darfur conflict and its secretion of armed robbery and tribal conflicts (SMAAWI, 2004). The general objective of the study is to describe and analyse the existing farming systems in the study area (DarElslam and Umkdada districts). Specifically the study intended to: 1. Describe and analyze the existing nature of traditional rainfed agriculture. 2. Specify the main factors affecting crop production. XI 3. Determine the optimum cropping pattern. 4. Identify the constraints of increasing farm income in the study area. 5. Assess the impact of some scenarios on farm income. 6. Provide some policies based on the findings of the study. The study mainly depended on primary data of the agricultural season 2006/07 collected from the targeted farmers through direct interviewing using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Regression and linear programming were used in the data analysis. The results of Regression analysis revealed that the produced crops in season 2006 were significantly affected by some factors, including most important factors that affect the crops output. Millet production affected by the total land under millet, labour, capital expenses, agricultural extension, period of cropping and rain quantity. The sorghum production affected by total land of sorghum, off-farm income and agricultural extension. The important significant factors affecting groundnuts production were total land under groundnuts, labour, period of cropping, agricultural extension, crop rotation and dry spell. Okra production affected by the total land under okra, seed rate, education and security situation. The main results of linear programming showed that the basic models gave a cropping pattern different from real farmers' production plan. Groundnuts is the more profitable crop at prevailing price and productivity of season 2006/07. The basic models solution gave a profitable objective function while in reality the farmers gained a loss. Family labour and operating capital represent the main constraints of agricultural production in the study area. Application of recommended XII technologies, increasing output prices and lowering production costs gave high support to the farm income in the study area. In order to achieve agricultural development and farmers' food security in the study area the study gave some recommendations including the following recommendations: 1. Supply the farmers with agricultural inputs through (a) distribution of inputs especially seeds through repayment (in kind) after harvesting and (b) entering the durable inputs such as pesticides pumps and hand implements through rent system. 2. Support agricultural extension to be more efficient and effective in adoption of recommended improved technologies. 3. Find credit sources in the rural areas and facilitate funding process. 4. Encourage government intervention to stabilize the output prices.