The aim of this study was to examine the profitability and competitiveness of the main crops grown under the rain-fed sector of Gadarif state: sorghum, millet, sesame and groundnuts. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data covered the three scale of semi-mechanized farms in the state (small, intermediate and large scale). Primary data on small-scale farmers were collected by means of questionnaire from 175 in Gadarif State, during 2012/2013 season. Primary data on large and intermediate-scale farmers were collected from unpublished records of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Gadarif State. Secondary data were collected from Central Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Policy analysis matrix was used to reach to the stated objective. Results revealed that, the four grown crops in the study area are proved to be financially and socially profitable despite the discouraging policies. The taxes on domestic input transfer for the four crops and output for groundnuts negatively affects the profitability, competitiveness and comparative advantages of all crops and give fragile results under shocks, except sesame which showed strong results under all conditions. Policy-wise, government should reduce taxes and provide incentives for farmers participating and adopting extension programs. It should also invest on the infrastructure to link farmers to a high value markets. Likewise, they should expand microfinance to cover all farmers.

The aim of the study was to determine, analyze and compare the socioeconomic factors affecting sorghum productivity of small-scale farmers (male and female) in the rain-fed sector of Gadarif state, Sudan. Multistage random sampling technique was used to collect data from 175 farmers from three villages, by means of questionnaire, in February 2013. Descriptive statistics, F-statistics and robust regression analysis techniques were used to achieve the stated objectives. Results revealed the existence of substantial differences between male and female socioeconomic characteristics affecting rain-fed sorghum productivity in Gadarif State, with various degrees. Unlike male-farmers whom they respond significantly to only three independent factors (age (.015; P=.04), education (.29, P=.002) and marital status (.49, P=0001)); sorghum productivity of female farmers was substantially responded to changes of all studied independent variables: age (-0.03; P<.01), education level (-0.05; p<.001), marital status (0.36; P<.001), family members (0.06; P<.01), experience (-0.05; P<.006), and off-farm income (0.0001; P,.04). Accordingly, it is very important to take gender difference in consideration in setting any improvement plans for sorghum productivity in the study area.