An overview of the development of agricultural cooperatives in Sudan over decades with special emphasis on Gum Arabic Producers’ Associations (GAPAs)

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the historical development of agricultural cooperatives in Sudan by examining Gum Arabic Producers’ Associations (GAPAs) as a case study. Using a systematic literature review approach, the article relied on desk research from relevant secondary sources. Past and current data on the GAPAs’ development were analyzed to present trends. While various forms of traditional cooperation in the agriculture sector exist in Sudan, the first formal attempt to establish cooperatives was undertaken in the 1920s. The development of the cooperative movement was strongly influenced by changing governmental policies during the different governmental eras. Political intervention, lack of finance, poor infrastructure and limited capacity of cooperative members and managers were major constraints that hindered the cooperative movement. GAPAs were first established in 1992 in North Kordofan State, and the model was scaled up in 2005 to the whole country. The main objective of GAPAs is to increase the production of gum Arabic, for example by reducing the members’ dependency on the traditional finance (Shail) system. However, GAPAs have faced the same constraints that also hindered other types of agricultural cooperatives. The government’s focus on primarily increasing the number of GAPAs and size of membership rather than improving their organizational capacity and quality of services to members has largely rendered the GAPAs ineffective. Therefore, the study recommends raising awareness among policymakers in Sudan for the problems GAPAs and other agricultural cooperatives currently face, as well as of local communities working in agriculture for the antecedents and benefits of collective action, which remains an urgent priority.