Until 20th century
Sudan, between the Blue Nile and the White Nile
The Djazeera Scheme was a colonial irrigation and agricultural development project in Sudan designed to bring approximately 200,000 hectares under cultivation for cotton, millet, and fodder. Delayed by the First World War, it was revised in 1919 and associated with the completion of the Sennär Dam in 1925. Its development stimulated transport, irrigation infrastructure, and cotton-ginning facilities, while serving British economic interests and shaping Sudan’s modern agricultural system.
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The Story
British administrators identified Sudan as possessing substantial agricultural potential and began experimental cotton cultivation to supplement Egyptian production. The first experiment at Zaydab in 1905 produced promising results. Cultivation was then extended to the Djazira plain between the Blue Nile and the White Nile, an area described as containing some of Sudan’s most fertile soil.
The Sudan Plantation Syndicate received a concession to cultivate cotton in the plain. The project depended on cooperation among the government, the syndicate, and Sudanese tenants. The government rented land from its owners and financed major canalization and pumping-station expenditure; the syndicate managed the project, handled smaller expenses, and organized transport and marketing; tenants undertook cultivation.
The original plan envisaged irrigation over approximately 200,000 hectares, where cotton, millet, and fodder would be grown. The First World War delayed implementation, but the plan was revised in 1919. Its central infrastructure milestone was the completion of Sennar Dam in 1925, after which related transportation, irrigation, and cotton-ginning activities expanded.
The project distributed proceeds among its three partners. Initially, tenants received 40 percent, the government 35 percent, and the syndicate 25 percent. The government and syndicate shares were later altered to 38 percent and 22 percent respectively. Egyptian financial aid and loans also supported Sudanese development schemes and budgetary needs.
Until 20th century
Sudan, between the Blue Nile and the White Nile
The Djazeera Scheme was a colonial irrigation and agricultural development project in Sudan designed to bring approximately 200,000 hectares under cultivation for cotton, millet, and fodder. Delayed by the First World War, it was revised in 1919 and associated with the completion of the Sennär Dam in 1925. Its development stimulated transport, irrigation infrastructure, and cotton-ginning facilities, while serving British economic interests and shaping Sudan’s modern agricultural system.
Continue exploring
The Story
British administrators identified Sudan as possessing substantial agricultural potential and began experimental cotton cultivation to supplement Egyptian production. The first experiment at Zaydab in 1905 produced promising results. Cultivation was then extended to the Djazira plain between the Blue Nile and the White Nile, an area described as containing some of Sudan’s most fertile soil.
The Sudan Plantation Syndicate received a concession to cultivate cotton in the plain. The project depended on cooperation among the government, the syndicate, and Sudanese tenants. The government rented land from its owners and financed major canalization and pumping-station expenditure; the syndicate managed the project, handled smaller expenses, and organized transport and marketing; tenants undertook cultivation.
The original plan envisaged irrigation over approximately 200,000 hectares, where cotton, millet, and fodder would be grown. The First World War delayed implementation, but the plan was revised in 1919. Its central infrastructure milestone was the completion of Sennar Dam in 1925, after which related transportation, irrigation, and cotton-ginning activities expanded.
The project distributed proceeds among its three partners. Initially, tenants received 40 percent, the government 35 percent, and the syndicate 25 percent. The government and syndicate shares were later altered to 38 percent and 22 percent respectively. Egyptian financial aid and loans also supported Sudanese development schemes and budgetary needs.