Economics of Gum Arabic Production: The case of small farmers in Northern Kordofan

Abstract

This study was conducted in North Kordofan state, in Rwaba locality, which is one of the biggest areas of gum Arabic in the state. The overall objective of this study is to study the economics of gum production and measure the effect of important factors on gum VIII production. To achieve such purpose regression analysis was used, which relates the production to the factors affecting it. The descriptive analysis was applied to the primary data, which collected directly from producers through questionnaire in the study area during the season 2009/2010, using startify sampling technique, sample size was hundred respondents .The descriptive analysis demonstrate that the illiteracy rate was high, the average of producers age was 55years old, and about 43 of producers have water problem, which affected negatively gum production. The gross margin analysis shown that the gum Arabic is less profitable in compare with other cash crops such as kerkade and groundnut. the results of the regression analysis demonstrate that the productivity, planted area, education level production cost and gum price are most effectives factors of gum .production Finally the study recommended that Setting real encourage price to improve gum production-1 Other generation income activities most be available to reduce farmers migration -2 Establishment and improve water sources, health and education services in the area-3 Improve the extension services to help producers to enhance their skills -4 Replanting gum trees to increase productivity of gum per mukhamas -5 Farmers association most is create to help them in production and marketing operations