Quality control systems of Gum Arabic in Sudan

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Gum arabic is the oldest tree gum exudate, and has been in use since 4000 BC. Currently, it is \nused as an emulsifier (E414) in a number of processes, such as producing sweets and soft \ndrinks. This study examines local practices such as tapping, collecting, transporting, sorting, \nand storing in various production areas in Sudan. Furthermore, it also investigates statistical \ndifferences in the key variables such as moisture content, optical rotation, ash content, \nviscosity, pH, colour Gardner index, colour Lovibond and tannin content in various production \nregions in Sudan during four seasons, namely 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. \nThis study offers originality as the first investigation to combine labour practices related to \nquality control systems in a Sudanese context, using both primary and secondary data. Primary \ndata were obtained from survey questionnaires (n=413 out of 800) distributed, giving a \nresponse rate of 52%, using chain-referral sampling among gum arabic farmers, managers, \nsupervisors, and stakeholders. In addition to the questionnaires, open-ended (interview) \nquestions were distributed to stakeholders and experts, by employing maximum variation \nsampling (n=15 out of 20 questions distributed, providing a response rate of 75%). Other \nprimary data, namely, analytical and experimental data, were obtained from Nopec Quality \nControl Laboratory in Khartoum, and from the Hydrocolloids Research Centre at the \nUniversity of Chester. Secondary data (national production) was obtained from the Sudan \nCustoms Corporation via the Gum Arabic Board in Sudan. \nThe findings of the survey questionnaires generally reveal that most workers tend to (i) work \nfor relatively long time in the gum arabic industry, (ii) are knowledgeable about quality control \nsystems, and (iii) aware about the best methods for maintaining product quality, collecting and \nstoring gum arabic (r=-0.821). Specifically, the strongest correlation coefficient (p=0.001) \nwere found between the worker’s age and the duration of working in the gum arabic industry \n(r=0.655). That is, the older respondents tend to be male while younger respondents tend to be \nfemale (r=-0.623). In addition, the majority of respondents (r=0.476) were knowledgeable \nabout the production areas of gum arabic in Sudan as well as the location of the main auction \nmarket in Al Obeid. \nThe findings from expert interviews indicate that there are both facilitative and hindrance \nfactors that affect gum arabic development; these are related to infrastructure, technology, \nsocio-economy, and relevant institution. The hindrance factors are, inter alia, the existence of \nrelatively higher taxes, inefficient transportation, outdated technology and inconsistent quality \ncontrol systems used by various gum arabic processing companies. Conversely, there are also \nfacilitative factors such as financial assistance (the sheilla system) for farmers from banks, \nregular training, and methodical improvement of tapping through the use of modernised tools. \nThe most significant factor is the agreement by all interviewees that better quality control \nsystems should be a key to the development of this product therefore, allowing the suppliers to \noffer a quality product rather than a commodity. The results of secondary data reveal an \nincrease in export trends from 2012 to 2018, indicating continuous growth in the industry and \nin particular for Acacia seyal compared to the previously held standard of Acacia Senegal. \nFinally, the findings of the analytical data reveal that key variables while differ across the \nvarious production season, the quality of the material from a given production area does not \ndiffer significantly. This is the major finding of this study whereby using reliable supply chain, \ntraceability system and quality control measurements it would be possible to supply gum arabic \nwith certain characteristics suitable for a given application. In conclusion, the findings are \nuseful addition to our knowledge and potentially of commercial impact.