Food technology, safety, and food security specialist Bashir Yousif has called for the establishment and rehabilitation of agro-processing industries in Sudan, arguing that the country’s vast natural resources could drive sustainable economic growth if effectively harnessed.
Yousif noted that Sudan possesses abundant agricultural raw materials that remain largely underutilized, emphasizing that transforming these resources into processed and value-added products could significantly strengthen local economies and contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
He urged investors and business leaders to focus on building processing facilities near primary production areas. “Locating factories close to farms reduces post-harvest losses, cuts transportation costs, and improves efficiency across the value chain,” he said, adding that such investments would strengthen national economic resilience while increasing financial returns.
Focus on Community Benefits
Yousif stressed that agro-industrial development should be designed to serve local communities, particularly by creating employment opportunities for young people and strengthening technical skills through vocational training.
“Industrial projects must not only generate profit but also build human capital,” he said. “Training programs and continued education are essential for sustainable development and long-term social stability.”
Doum Palm Highlighted as Strategic Resource
As an example of untapped potential, Yousif pointed to the Doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica), a native species widely used in Sudan. He said the tree could support a wide range of food, industrial, and environmental applications, making it an ideal foundation for integrated agro-industrial development.
The fruit, commonly consumed across the country, can be processed into flour or used as a natural flavouring ingredient. Young shoots—known as palm cabbage—as well as immature seeds are also edible and nutritionally valuable.
According to Yousif, nearly every part of the tree can be utilized, opening opportunities for diversified production and rural industrialization.
Traditional Uses with Modern Potential
Beyond food uses, Doum palm leaves are widely used in cottage industries to produce baskets, mats, ropes, roofing materials, and textiles. Root fibers can be processed into fishing nets, while the tree also provides fodder for livestock during drought periods.
The wood is valued for its durability and resistance to termites, making it suitable for construction materials such as posts, planks, and railway sleepers. Dried leaves can serve as biomass fuel, and bark can be processed into natural dyes.
In some regions of Africa, the fruit is fermented to produce traditional beverages, while sap from the tree can be used to make palm wine. The species also holds a place in traditional medicine, with various parts used to treat conditions ranging from parasitic infections to hypertension.
Economic and Environmental Value
The hard seed, sometimes called “vegetable ivory,” is used to manufacture buttons and small handicrafts, while ash from the trunk can substitute for salt in traditional practices. Environmentally, the tree plays an important role in stabilizing riverbanks, reducing soil erosion, and combating land degradation.
Investment Opportunity for Rural Development
Yousif described the Doum palm as a strategic asset capable of supporting integrated value chains with strong socio-economic impact. Large-scale development, he said, could encourage rural settlement, raise household incomes, and generate foreign exchange through exports of value-added products.
“Investment in resource-based industries delivers more than financial returns,” he noted. “It contributes to social development, environmental sustainability, and Sudan’s competitiveness in global markets for sustainable food and bio-based products.”
