Supply Chains, Land Contestation And Conflict In The Horn Of Africa | Explainer | Chatham House

In the heartlands of Eastern Africa, amidst the vibrant economies of Sudan and Ethiopia, lies a hidden treasure that fuels both nations - Sesame. These humble seeds are no ordinary crop; they play a pivotal role in the economic landscape of these countries. As we delve deeper into this narrative, we'll uncover how Sesame, often overlooked, has become a cornerstone of prosperity and, surprisingly, a player in regional conflict dynamics.

Sesame: The Cash Crop that Soars

Let's start with the astounding figures. Ethiopia's Sesame exports rake in a whopping 286 million dollars, while Sudan is not far behind, with earnings of around 488 million US dollars. These numbers underscore the economic importance of this seemingly innocuous seed. However, the real story lies in the Ethiopia-Sudan borderlands, where the majority of Sesame is historically produced.

Borderlands: Seeds of Resilience

The Ethiopia-Sudan borderlands, known for their agricultural prowess, have served as a wellspring of cross-border resilience. Here, the Sesame fields have thrived, proving that agriculture knows no boundaries. But what happens when the lines of production and supply chains intersect with regional conflict dynamics?

Conflict Weaves into the Sesame Fields

This is where the plot thickens. In the regions of Wolcott and Western Tigre, Sesame production has been grievously affected by the war that engulfed Northern Ethiopia since November 2020. To compound the situation, a month later, the disputed Al Fashica farmlands on the Ethiopia-Sudan border were seized by the Sudanese Army. The consequences are manifold.

In Ethiopia, an estimated 500,000 hectares of Sesame fields have been abandoned since the outbreak of war. Displacement, a harsh byproduct of conflict, has further eroded productivity and livelihood security. What's even more intriguing is the transformation in land control and trading capacities. The conflict, deeply rooted in ethnic divisions, has led to a shift in power and profit within the Western Tigre and Al Fashica agricultural value chains.

From Crops to Conflict: A Disturbing Transition

Now, let's delve into the dark underbelly of this narrative. As the agricultural landscape evolves, the cash from Sesame might be funneled to sustain conflict and land control. The very infrastructure designed to nurture the Sesame fields is being used for far less savory purposes. These agricultural lands, at times, serve as storage spaces for contraband goods and even as shelters for migrants attempting to cross increasingly securitized borders into Sudan and beyond.

Unveiling the Layers of Conflict

The ripple effects of this shift in Sesame production reach far beyond Ethiopia and Sudan. The very dynamics of conflict and coping strategies are undergoing a transformation across the wider region. Cash crops like Sesame are no longer mere symbols of economic prosperity; they are caught in a complex web of conflict that extends its reach into the future.

As we peer into the layers of this conflict-stricken Sesame story, it becomes evident that what may seem like a simple seed holds the potential to sow both prosperity and discord in the fertile lands of Eastern Africa. The question that remains is how these nations navigate this challenging terrain, balancing the economic benefits of Sesame with the tangled web of conflict that threatens to overshadow its brilliance.

In the world of agriculture, as in life itself, the path to prosperity is rarely a straight one. It's marked by twists, turns, and unexpected hurdles. Sesame's role in the drama of the Ethiopia-Sudan borderlands reminds us that even the most unassuming seeds can become the focal point of regional dynamics and that navigating this path requires not just resilience but also a deep understanding of the forces at play. As we continue to watch the Sesame saga unfold, one thing is certain - it's a tale that combines the bitterness of conflict with the sweetness of economic opportunity. How these nations choose to balance these flavors will determine the future of their Sesame-scented economies.