Gezira (state)

Gezira (state) is one of the eighteen states of Sudan, located in the east-central part of the country between the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. Its capital and largest city is Wad Madani, a major commercial and administrative hub. The state is historically defined by the Gezira Scheme, one of the world's largest irrigation projects, which has been central to its economy and development since the early 20th century.

Geography

Gezira State is situated on the fertile plain between the Blue Nile and the White Nile, south of the confluence at Khartoum. The state's landscape is predominantly flat, agricultural land, shaped by the extensive canal networks of the Gezira Scheme. Key towns include Al Manaqil, Al Hasaheisa, and Rufaa, which serve as local administrative and market centers. The climate is arid to semi-arid, with the agricultural cycle heavily dependent on irrigation from the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile.

History

The region has been inhabited for millennia, with its modern history profoundly shaped by the Anglo-Egyptian condominium. The pivotal development was the launch of the Gezira Scheme in 1925, initiated by the British administration to cultivate cotton for export. This transformed the social and economic fabric, creating a tenant farming system. Post-independence, the area remained Sudan's agricultural heartland, though it has faced challenges from political shifts, economic policies, and environmental pressures. The state was also a significant area during the Second Sudanese Civil War and has been impacted by recent conflicts, including the 2023 war.

Economy

The economy is overwhelmingly agrarian, dominated by the irrigated Gezira Scheme, which produces cotton, sorghum, wheat, and groundnuts. The scheme is managed by the Sudanese government-affiliated Gezira Board. Wad Madani functions as the primary commercial and processing center for agricultural goods, hosting markets and light industries. Other economic activities include livestock rearing and trade, with the state serving as a crucial breadbasket for Sudan. Economic performance has fluctuated due to factors like international cotton prices, management issues, and political instability.

Demographics

The population is predominantly Arab, with the majority identifying with Sudanese Arab tribes such as the Ja'alin and Shaigiya. A significant portion of residents are descendants of farmers who settled during the expansion of the Gezira Scheme. The state is also home to communities from other regions of Sudan, including West African groups and people from Darfur and Kordofan. Islam is the dominant religion, and Arabic is the primary language. Population density is higher in the irrigated central areas and urban centers like Wad Madani.

Administration

The state is divided into several localities, each with its own administrative council. The capital, Wad Madani, houses the state government and the office of the Wali (Governor). Key localities include Al Hasahisa, Al Kamlin, and East Al Gezira. The administrative structure is integrated into the federal system of Sudan, though governance has been disrupted by national political crises, including the 2019 Sudanese coup d'état and the subsequent 2023 conflict, which led to the capture of Wad Madani by the Rapid Support Forces.

Category:States of Sudan