From Malay Mail · · 1m
Sudan's Henna Tradition Fades
War, drought and Nile water shortages threaten Sudan's crimson bride henna tradition.
In brief
War, drought and Nile water shortages threaten Sudan's crimson bride henna tradition. Sudan's henna industry faces collapse due to conflict, water scarcity and climate change. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Henna Tradition Under Threat
Water scarcity, climate change and three years of war endanger henna cultivation in sudan.
“Henna is both a hobby and a heritage for us”
Bride's Henna Ritual
Najwa Mubarak paints crimson floral patterns on a bride's hands in al-damer salon.
“I apply henna for brides as it is an integral part of the brides joy”
Farmer's Struggle
Abdallah Mohammed faces water shortages on his henna farm near al-damer.
“Water arrives at long intervals and cuts off just when we need it most”
Drought Impact
Henna fields parched as irrigation canals become unreliable during drought.
“Access to water is the biggest obstacle limiting our production”
War Damage
Conflict destroyed irrigation networks and water management systems.
“The war which erupted in april 2023 has damaged irrigation networks”
Climate Effects
El nino delays rains and lowers nile water levels for henna farmers.
“The el nino climate pattern has disrupted weather systems”
Economic Impact
Henna supports 65 percent of sudan's population through agriculture.
“Agriculture provides livelihoods for roughly 65 per cent of sudans population”
Export Challenges
Exporters reroute shipments through egypt after war disrupted trade routes.
“Since fighting erupted, many exporters have rerouted shipments through neighbouring egypt”
Future Hope
Salon owner Omnia El-Sayed believes henna will endure as cultural staple.
“It is a cultural staple”
The big picture
Sudan's henna industry faces collapse due to conflict, water scarcity and climate change.
