CONTRIBUTION OF LOCAL TRADE IN ZIZIPHUS SPINA- CHRISTI L. FRUITS TO RURAL HOUSEHOLD'S ECONOMY IN RASHAD LOCALITY, SUDAN

Local trade in tree fruits has offered an important source of cash income and employment to trading households for generations in the drier areas of Sudan. Yet, it is contribution to the rural households is not acknowledged. The study investigates the extent to which the local trade contributes to rural household economy with special emphasis on cash income and employment; and identifies the factors influence the level of cash income earned from the local business. Data were collected from 70 households purposely selected using interviews and direct observation in 2008/2009 season. The results indicated that fruits local trade was generated the highest annual average cash income (US$ 202.73) fallowed by agriculture (US$ 71.57), remittances (US$ 49.81), wage labor (US$ 30.10), and livestock (US$ 20.40). Also, the most of the employment (30%) was generated by local trade fallowed by agriculture (25%). There are significant variations in cash income earnings. These variations are attributed to household personal characteristics and market variables. The study concluded that tree fruits local trade is the most important source of cash income and employment. Microfinance and local sellers’ organization are recommended to sustain and increase the economic returns from the local business in the fruits much beyond what currently contribute today.

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