The Sudan Plantations Syndicate, 1919–1939

This chapter continues the history of the Sudan Plantations Syndicate that was begun in Chap. 4 . The chapter traces how the Gezira Scheme—the cotton-growing scheme that was developed in partnership between the Syndicate, the Sudan government, and the tenant farmers—was gradually brought into operation between 1919 and 1925. The chapter looks at the management of the business and the Gezira Scheme. It then turns to the issues of leadership, management and strategy, and ownership and control. The impact of the Great Depression on the Sudan Plantations Syndicate is also examined. This is further developed in Chap. 6 . The Depression was a significant period of difficulty for the company, leading to concerns for the commercial viability of the company both within the management and for the shareholders. The company struggled throughout the 1930s, during which period its directors and managers became aware of its precarious relationship with the Sudan government, on whom it was politically dependent. This, in turn, was a forerunner of the move towards nationalization of the firm prior to decolonization.