Assessment of the Role of Agriculture in Sudan Economy

The calamities of Sudan expand on daily basis. The secession of Southern Sudan has deprived the country of 25% of it total area, 24% of population, over 80% of its oil income. Moreover, it has separated with 75% of it vegetation cover and 30% of potential arable land. In addition, Sudan stands to tolerate at least 25% of its water resources. Economic situation precarious with the Darfur rebellions, the inception of Southern Kordofan's region civil strive and the inflamed complaints in its Blue Nile region. That resulted besides deprivation of oil revenues and other potentials to increased cost of national security and expenditures on additional revenues to meet such funds for securing peace. Economic crisis no longer looms over the country, but has grasped it with continuous pressures from the international society with all the consequences of boycotts, deprivations of loans and financing. The only viable economic sector is agriculture, with industry demise due to heavy taxations, expensive inputs prices, devaluation of the Sudanese currency and increases in levels of foreign currencies exchange rates. The present study reviews and updates information on the agricultural sector, not only for possible revival and compensations of the lost oil revenues but also to ensure food security for the remaining population. However, it is concluded here that under the present conditions, the agricultural sector cannot fulfill the economic requirements of the country. More economic resources are needed besides changes in the conception and application of privatization policies.