Value chain of Balanites aegyptiaca in North Kordofan State in Sudan

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) is considered as one of the valuable tree species in Sudan. This study interrogated different actors involved in B. aegyptiaca value chain to estimate the gross margins associated with their segments. The study was conducted during season 2019 in Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan State in Sudan, and involved 86 household head (10% of the population). Results indicated that value chain actors of B. aegyptiaca included fruit collectors, village traders, city merchants, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Based on gross margins, the wholesalers were the most benefited (36.4%) in the chain, followed by village traders (33.4%), city merchants (17.6%), collectors (9.65%) and lastly retailers (2.94%). It is clear that B. aegyptiaca value chain is mostly influenced by actors at local level.