Sudanese gum (SG): a sustainable resource for rebuilding Sudan through biotechnology and innovation

Abstract

Purpose: this chapter examines the multifaceted value of Sudanese gum (SG) as a natural polysaccharide with wide commercial applications, focusing on Sudan's position as a global leader in its production. This chapter highlights how the strategic development of this sector can contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing critical challenges in sustainable production, technological innovation, and fair economic benefits for rural communities.

Design/methodology/approach: this study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review of GA’s scientific properties, an analysis of Sudan's production data, and an evaluation of emerging biotechnological applications. Data were collected from academic sources, industry reports, and field studies conducted in Kordofan Province and internationally.

Findings: this study identifies GA as an economic lifeline for rural Sudan and a versatile biomaterial with growing applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and advanced medical technologies. Biotechnology has the potential for yield improvement and drought resistance, while sustainable agroforestry practices have dual benefits for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Systemic challenges, including taxation policies and limited investment in research and development, however, constrain sector growth.

Originality/value: this study provides a comprehensive analysis bridging GA’s scientific properties with its socioeconomic impact, offering novel insights into how this traditional commodity can drive modern biotechnological innovation. This uniquely positions GA at the intersection of sustainable development, advanced material science and pro-poor economic policy.

Research Limitations/Implications: Field data collection was limited by security challenges in the production regions. This chapter addresses this gap by synthesizing global research on Acacia species and conducting a comparative analysis with other natural gum economies.

Practical implications: the findings support policy reforms for sustainable production, recommend R&D investment in value-added applications, and propose SDG-aligned strategies to maximize the contribution of GA to rural livelihoods, climate resilience, and Sudan's bioeconomy. The framework is adaptable to other developing nations with similar natural-product economies.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Mohamed G. Hassan: orcid.org/0000-0003-3729-4543

Catalogue record

Export record

Altmetrics