Editing Al Qadarif State

{{short description|State of Sudan}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name                     = Al Qadarif
| native_name              = القضارف
| other_name               = Gadaref, Gadarif or Qadārif
| nickname                 = 
| motto                    = 
| settlement_type          = [[States of Sudan|State]]
| image_skyline            = 
| imagesize                = 
| image_caption            = 
| image_seal               = Seal of Al Qadarif State.png
| image_shield             = 
| image_map                = Al Qadarif in Sudan (Kafia Kingi disputed).svg
| mapsize                  = 299px
| map_caption              = Location in Sudan.
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|Sudan}}
| subdivision_type1        = Region
| subdivision_name1        = [[Butana]]
| subdivision_type2        = 
| subdivision_name2        = 
| seat_type                = Capital
| seat                     = [[Al Qadarif]]
| government_type          = 
| leader_title             = [[List of The Sudan’s state governors|Governor]]
| leader_name              = Mohamed Abdelrahman Mahgoub<ref>{{cite web |title=Sudan War Spills into Farming State Sheltering Displaced People |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/sudan-war-spills-into-farming-state-sheltering-displaced-people/7563278.html |website=Voice of America |language=en |date=9 April 2024}}</ref>
| established_title        = 
| established_date         = 
| area_magnitude           = 
| area_total_km2           = 75263
| population_as_of         = 2018
| population_note          = 
| population_total         = 2,208,385<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cbs.gov.sd/files/Pop._Proj._by_satates137.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2023-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312172126/http://cbs.gov.sd/files/Pop._Proj._by_satates137.pdf |archive-date=2017-03-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| population_density_km2   = 
| timezone                 = [[Central Africa Time|CAT]]
| utc_offset               = +2
| coordinates              = {{coord|14|0|N|35|0|E|region:SD|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m              = 
| elevation_ft             = 
| postal_code_type         = 
| postal_code              = 
| area_code                = 
| blank_name_sec2          = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2017)
| blank_info_sec2          = 0.457<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/SDN/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=2021-12-31}}</ref><br/>{{color|#900|low}}
| website                  = 
| footnotes                = 
}}
'''Al Qadarif''' ({{Langx|ar|القضارف}} ''{{Transliteration|ar|DIN|Al Qaḍārif}}''), also spelled ''Gedaref'' or ''Gadarif'', is one of the 18 [[States of Sudan|wilayat]] (states) of [[Sudan]]. It covers an area of 75,263&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and had an estimated population of approximately 2,208,385 as of 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cbs.gov.sd/files/Pop._Proj._by_satates137.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2023-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312172126/http://cbs.gov.sd/files/Pop._Proj._by_satates137.pdf |archive-date=2017-03-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[El-Gadarif|Al Qadarif]] is the state’s capital, with other notable towns including Doka and [[Gallabat]]. The state also encompasses the disputed [[Al Fushqa District]].

==Demographics==

Gedaref State in Sudan is home to a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups, including members of numerous tribes. Additionally, individuals from regions outside Sudan—such as [[Eritreans|Eritrea]], [[Ethiopians|Ethiopia]], [[Yemenis|Yemen]], [[Somali people|Somalia]], [[Demographics of Chad|Chad]], [[Copts in Egypt|Egypt (including Copts)]], [[Armenians|Armenia]], and [[Kurds|Kurdistan]]—contribute to its multicultural fabric. This intricate social structure has evolved over time due to historical migrations during the period of Turkish rule and the [[Mahdist War|Mahdist Revolution]], as well as changes in the state's agricultural practices.

The state is a natural geographical area situated on the slopes of the Ethiopian plateau, descending towards rivers, valleys, and water-filled creeks. It is characterized by fertile clay soil, interspersed with occasional hills, which enhances its agricultural potential.

The state can be divided into three distinct geomorphic regions:
* Highlands: Located in the southeast along the Sudan-Ethiopia border, featuring mountains and isolated chains of hills.
* Plains: Characterized by flat, mud-rich lands and gentle slopes, forming the predominant landscape of the state.
* Valley Areas: Dominated by sedimentary landforms surrounding seasonal rivers, including the [[Atbara River]], [[Rahad River]], and Islam River.

==Agriculture==

The state is distinguished by its land, which is highly suitable for agriculture. It hosts some of Sudan's largest [[rainfed agriculture|rainfed agricultural]] projects, utilizing mechanized equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters that depend on rainfall. The state also features large-capacity silos for grain storage. Additionally, Al Qadarif boasts the largest market for private crops, including sesame and sorghum.

The state is considered a strategic center for food security in Sudan. Agriculture, primarily reliant on rain for irrigation, is the main economic activity. Trade and services along the borders with Ethiopia and Eritrea also play a significant role in the state's economy. The introduction of mechanized agricultural methods in 1945 significantly expanded arable land to 7,162,133 hectares, while 2,376,563 hectares of forest contribute to the production of [[gum arabic]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

The distribution of agricultural areas is as follows:

* Dry Agriculture Belt: Approximately 1.63 million acres located in the north, with rainfall ranging between 500 and 600&nbsp;mm. This area features Ptrepettha mud and lacks valleys and creeks. Mechanized farming, in the form of large sprawling fields, is practiced.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Rainfed Agriculture Belt: Approximately 2.96 million acres, with rainfall ranging between 550 and 600&nbsp;mm. This region has clay soil on flat plains, with rainfed agriculture practiced in large fields and smaller areas around Alqryz. Forest reserves are also present.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Water Basin Area: Approximately 1.58 million acres, where clay soil and water are readily available.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Mixed Farming Belt: Approximately 1.39 million acres.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Protected Areas: A total protected land area of about 176,630 acres, with protected waters covering an area of about 878,180 acres.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Agricultural projects in this region primarily depend on rainfed irrigation and rainfall. Notable projects include Um Settat, sesame cultivation, Alvhqh, Labadi, and several others. The Rahad Agricultural Project uses irrigation from the Rahad and Blue Nile Rivers for both agricultural and industrial purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyseer Elhadi |first=Omer |last2=Boland |first2=Hermann |title=Role and interactions of agro-pastoral organizations and finance institutions in agricultural innovation: the study of Rahad Agriculture Scheme - Sudan |url=https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/events/ifsa/papers/5/5.1%20Tyseer.pdf}}</ref>

The main crops grown are sesame, maize, millet, gum arabic, and sunflower. Important horticultural crops include lemon, watermelon, and vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and squash.

==Forests==

Gedaref State contains approximately 11 designated forest reserves, primarily characterized by the prevalence of [[Senegalia senegal|Acacia]] trees, which produce [[gum arabic]]. In addition, there are 31 other forest reserves, also dominated by Acacia trees, with sizes ranging from 100 to 800 acres.

==Livestock==

Livestock in Gedaref State is estimated at about 5 million head of cattle, belonging to various factions. This number increases to around 7 million during the rainy season, when seasonal pasture becomes available. During this time, shepherds from neighboring states bring their animals to Gedaref in search of pasture and water.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

==Industry==

Industry in the state is primarily based on agricultural products like sesame, peanuts, and sunflower. Key industries include oil, soap, and sweets production, with factories located in Gedaref. There are also workshops that assemble tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery, along with lathes for making spare parts and providing repair services.

==Services==
[[File:Vegetable-market.jpg|thumb|[[c:File:Vegetable-market.jpg|Vegetable market in Gedaref]]]]
Crops are stored and processed in grain silos and other storage facilities.

=== Banking and banks ===
The banking system in the state includes 24 branches of various banks, consisting of 17 commercial banks and 7 specialized banks. Additionally, the [[Central Bank of Sudan|Bank of Sudan]] oversees banking activities and supervises the implementation of the central bank's laws and policies.

The city of Gedaref has eighteen bank branches, with three branches in the FAO and one branch each in the cities of Alhawwath, Acanthosis, and Dawkah. The Gedaref Investment Bank was integrated with the State Savings Bank as part of the Central Bank of Sudan's bank consolidation policy. The city also offers technical and mechanical services related to agriculture, including efforts to combat agricultural pests.

==Cities==

[[El-Gadarif|Gedaref]] serves as the state capital and the central hub for the state government, the governor's office, and commercial activities, providing essential urban services. Acanthosis hosts the largest market for livestock in the state and is home to the state veterinarian. The FAO is located in Gedaref, with the Rahad Agricultural Project's headquarters also in the city, which overlooks the main transit road from Khartoum to Port Sudan.

Alhawwath is the capital of the Rahad province, situated between the agricultural production areas and the railway line that leads to Port Sudan via the city of Kassala. Dawkah, the capital of the Tippers province, lies in the southeastern part of the state and serves as a key center for agricultural production. Tippers, located on the Sudan-Ethiopia border, is a hub for cross-border trade to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, facilitated by the continental road network.

Gouge Bees is located near the Dinder National Park Reserve, one of the state's most promising areas following the discovery of mineral wealth, including gold ore and natural gas. Cottage Cheese is one of the state's border localities.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

==Districts==
[[Image:Al Qadarif Sudan district map overview.svg|thumb|150px|Districts of Al Qadarif]]
{{see also|Districts of Sudan}}
# [[Al Faw District, Al Qadarif|Al Faw District]]
# [[Al Gadaref District]]
# [[Al Rahd District]]
# [[Al Galabat District|East Galabat District]]
# [[Al Galabat District|West Galabat District]]
# [[Al Fushqa District]]
# [[Butana|Butana District]]
# {{ill|Qala al-Nahl District|ar|قلع النحل}}
# {{ill|Al-Quresha District|ar|القريشة (السودان)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadarifstate.gov.sd/index.php/2010-10-17-10-19-38/2010-10-19-10-51-41.html|title=الهيكل الإداري|language=ar|trans-title=The Administrative Structure|publisher=Gadarif State|accessdate=16 July 2021|date=18 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821082617/http://www.gadarifstate.gov.sd/index.php/2010-10-17-10-19-38/2010-10-19-10-51-41.html|archive-date=2013-08-21}}</ref>

==Localities==
*[[El-Gadarif]] (capital)
*Fao
*[[Al-Hawwata]]
*[[Doka, Sudan|Doka]]
*[[Gallabat]]
*[[ُShowak, El-Fashaga]]
*[[Gala-elnahal]]
*[[Basonda]]
*[[Elgorisha]]
*[[Wasat Elqadarif]]

{{States of Sudan}}

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==References==
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[[Category:Al Qadarif State| ]]
[[Category:States of Sudan|Qadarif]]