In Abu Hamad, by the Nile, once lush gardens and farms rich in dates, citrus fruits, and grains produced crops for the eastern cities of Sudan, including Khartoum and Port Sudan. But today, these lands have taken on a completely different face.
Destruction of Agriculture by Gold
In this area, trees have been cut down and agricultural lands have given way to shops and commercial places. More than 700 gray waste hills, which are the toxic remnants of gold mining, are scattered around the city and its suburbs, poisoning the soil and climate of this land. This situation has turned into a public health crisis.
Gold mining, which began around 2008, has significantly increased over the past six years. These activities have not only led to environmental destruction but have also affected the lives of local people. Hazardous chemicals from these activities have easily infiltrated water and soil, jeopardizing the health of residents.
Social and Economic Impacts
With the destruction of farms and gardens, many farmers have turned to informal and insecure jobs. These changes have not only impacted people's livelihoods but have also led to increased poverty and unemployment. In this context, many questions arise about the responsibility of the government and regulatory bodies in this matter.
Evidence shows that Sudan is losing its food production capacities, and this trend could have more serious consequences for the future of a country grappling with economic and social crises.
