Lual Ajak, the Chairman of South Sudan Gum Arabic Union - Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio - September 6, 2023

The Chairman of South Sudan Gum Arabic Union is calling on the national government to promote investment in cash crops by availing funding for the sector.

Lual Ajak said Gum Arabic has the potential to reduce South Sudan’s over-dependence on oil revenue.

He suggested to the government to avail small grants that can help farmers overcome risks related to the high cost of agriculture imputes and the uncertainty in market demand.

Ajak adds that the government should initiate an investment promotion to attract foreign firms to the sector.

For funding to be availed, Lual Ajak says there is a need for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to table an act in the cabinet.

“My recommendation to the government is for the respective ministry so it can take it to the council of ministers and to approve it so that it can be an act after that Ministry of Finance approved money for the project,”  Ajak said.

Gum Arabic is a natural gum made up of hardened sap of the acacia tree.

It is used as an emulsifier in the manufacture of soft drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

South Sudan has large quantities of gum Arabic trees in the central, western and northern parts of the country.