Sesame Production and Export Performance in Sudan: A Comparative Advantage Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the performance
of sesame production and export in Sudan during 1990-2005. Different
indicators, like instability index, comparative production performance
coefficient and revealed comparative advantage index, were used. The
results showed that Sudan is one of the largest world producers and
exporters of sesame, and has strong comparative advantage, but it has the
highest fluctuations compared to other sesame world suppliers. These
fluctuations are due to constraints facing sesame production and export
like domestic taxation, poor marketing services, lack of finance and poor
quality standards. The paper concludes that the government policies
should encourage sesame production and export in order to exploit Sudan
comparative advantage in this product, and to benefit from the
improvement in the international market access to enter new markets.