Gum Acacia as a source for local private sector development in South-Sudan

Despite various constraints to Southern Sudan’s economic growth, there is huge potential in the agriculture, forestry and livestock sectors. Trade remained limited due to a lack of infrastructure, limited financial services, and low levels of entrepreneurial skills, but these conditions are starting to change. Gum acacia has the potential to make significant contributions to poverty alleviation in many parts of Southern Sudan, which is why SNV conducted a value chain study for various potential sub-sectors, including Gum acacia. The case describes how, together with the local Development Association Toposa, SNV mobilised local communities and collectors and formalized them into cooperative societies, strengthened their organisational capacity and supported them to negotiate favourable prices.