One Resource Is Enough… (2/3)

Reality on the Ground

By Amani Abu Fatin
Although Sudan has been blessed by Allah with abundant and diverse natural resources, these resources have had little impact on the country’s development or on improving the lives of its citizens, who have endured decades of hardship. This is undoubtedly due to the absence of effective policies, plans, and development programs by the successive governments that have ruled the country during the seventy years since independence.

Today, let us discuss another valuable resource that remains largely untapped, despite its enormous potential to generate billions of dollars in foreign exchange earnings and create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities through meat processing, leather manufacturing, and related industries. Unfortunately, it remains a neglected wealth that evokes deep regret: Sudan’s livestock sector.

Facts and Figures:
The livestock sector ranks second in importance within Sudan’s economy. Sudan is considered one of the richest Arab and African countries in terms of animal wealth. The country’s livestock population is estimated at approximately 103 million head, including:
30 million cattle
37 million sheep
33 million goats
3 million camels
In addition, Sudan possesses:
4 million horses and other equine animals
45 million poultry birds
Fish resources estimated at around 100,000 tons from inland fisheries and 10,000 tons from marine fisheries
Significant populations of wildlife species
This immense wealth has the capacity to drive substantial economic growth and development, enabling Sudan to make remarkable progress in improving the welfare and quality of life of its people. This is especially true when combined with the country’s vast agricultural and water resources, which also continue to suffer from neglect, poor planning, and short-term approaches to resource management.

In my view, however, Sudan’s most valuable resource is its human capital. Without people, no nation—regardless of how rich it may be in natural resources—can achieve lasting prosperity. Sudanese citizens, spread across the world, possess extensive scientific expertise, practical experience, and accumulated knowledge. They are joined by ambitious young people eager to contribute to their country’s advancement if given the opportunity.

With proper investment in both its natural and human resources, Sudan could transform its image from that of the “sick man of Africa,” plagued by wars, diseases, epidemics, and disasters, into a nation of growth, stability, and prosperity.

This is only a brief glimpse into Sudan’s vast livestock wealth. Specialists and experts in the field are undoubtedly better qualified to discuss the country’s resources in greater depth, but this remains a modest attempt to highlight one of Sudan’s greatest untapped assets.