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Fish Diversity Assessment in Khartoum Central Local Fish Market During the Post-war Period

Received: 6 May 2026     Accepted: 13 June 2026     Published: 8 July 2026
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Abstract

Freshwater fisheries play a vital role in food security, employment generation, and livelihood support in Sudan; however, the recent armed conflict severely disrupted fish production, transportation networks, market operations, and consumer access to fish products. This study assessed fish species diversity, market conditions, and indicators of post-war recovery in the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market, one of the most important fish trading centers in Sudan. A descriptive field-based approach was employed, combining direct market observations with structured interviews involving fish vendors, fishermen, and consumers. Information on fish species composition, supply sources, market activity, fish prices, and product quality was collected and compared with conditions reported during the conflict period. The findings revealed moderate to high fish species diversity within the market, with species of the genus Oreochromis being the most abundant, followed by Clarias spp. and Lates niloticus. Market observations indicated increased fish availability and consumer attendance compared with wartime conditions, while fish prices showed a moderate decline, suggesting gradual stabilization of market dynamics and improved supply. The White Nile and Jebel Aulia Reservoir were identified as the primary post-war sources of fish supply, and sensory quality assessments demonstrated generally acceptable freshness of marketed fish. Despite these positive developments, several challenges remain, particularly unreliable electricity supply, inadequate cold-storage facilities, and limitations in market infrastructure. Overall, the results indicate that the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market is exhibiting clear signs of ecological and commercial recovery following the conflict; however, sustained recovery of the fisheries sector will require targeted investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development, and market support systems to enhance resilience and ensure long-term sustainability in post-conflict urban environments.

Published in Science Frontiers (Volume 7, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12
Page(s) 65-69
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Fish Diversity, Post-war Recovery, Local Fish Market, Khartoum, Sudan

1. Introduction
Fish resources are essential for food security, livelihoods, & environmental sustainability, particularly in countries with extensive inl& water system such as Sudan . Sudan’s inl& waters—primarily the Nile & its tributaries—support significant artisanal fisheries that supply local markets & contribute to household nutrition . Fish are a highly nutritious & economically important food source, providing high-quality protein, essential amino acids, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, & critical micronutrients that contribute significantly to food & nutrition security, particularly in low-income & crisis-affected regions . In Sudan, freshwater fish play a central role in urban diets due to their relative affordability compared to other animal-source foods. Fish market dynamics are closely linked to economic conditions, as changes in species diversity, availability, & prices reflect household purchasing power, supply chain functionality, & post-conflict recovery processes . Previous research in Sudan has demonstrated that commonly marketed freshwater fish species possess high nutritional value, reinforcing the importance of local fish markets in supporting both dietary quality & livelihoods . Therefore, monitoring fish diversity & market performance provides an integrated indicator of ecological resilience & economic recovery in post-war urban settings. Local fish markets play a crucial role as intermediaries between capture fisheries & urban consumers, reflecting both ecological conditions & socio-economic stability. In recent years, the Khartoum local fish market has experienced substantial transformations due to prolonged armed conflict, which disrupted supply chains, displaced fishing communities, & degraded infrastructure, thereby affecting fish availability, species composition, pricing, & market functionality . War & instability are known to weaken fisheries governance, reduce fishing effort in some areas, intensify pressure in others, & alter market structures, often amplifying resource scarcity & price volatility . The diversity & distribution of ichthyofauna highlight the ecological richness of Sudan’s freshwater systems, yet stressors such as environmental change & socio-political instability pose challenges to sustainability . Monitoring fish diversity & market indicators provides valuable insight into both environmental resilience & post-conflict economic recovery. This study therefore documents current fish diversity in the Khartoum local fish market in the post-war period & evaluates changes in availability, market conditions, & supply sources compared to pre-war conditions. The aim is to inform strategies for sustainable recovery & management of the fisheries sector. ost-conflict environments are frequently characterized by damaged infrastructure, weakened resource management systems, and environmental disturbances that can affect fisheries and food security .
2. Materials & Methods
2.1. Study Area
The study was conducted at the fish market in New Souq Six, Mayo area, Khartoum State. This market emerged as an alternative to the former central market, which was severely affected by war & population displacement.
2.2. Research Design
A descriptive analytical field methodology was adopted to assess the current status of fish diversity & market conditions. Both qualitative & simple quantitative approaches were applied.
2.3. Data Collection Tools
Data were collected using:
1) Field interviews: Conducted with fish vendors (n = 20), fishermen (n = 12), & consumers (n = 32).
2) Direct observation: Documentation of fish species, market conditions, storage facilities, & electricity availability.
3) Audio & written records: Interviews were recorded, transcribed, & analyzed thematically.
2.4. Sampling Method
A purposive sampling technique was used to capture different stakeholder perspectives within the market. Although the sample size was limited, it provided representative insights into market dynamics.
3. Data Analysis
1) Qualitative analysis: Content analysis of interview responses, categorized into themes such as diversity, challenges, prices, & recovery indicators.
2) Quantitative description: Simple tabulation of fish species availability & approximate proportions.
Study Limitations
The study was limited to one market & conducted on a seven days (in June 2025). Results therefore reflect indicative trends rather than generalized conclusions for all Khartoum markets.
4. Results
4.1. Fish Species Availability
As shown in Table 1, the Khartoum local fish market during the post-war period exhibited moderate to high fish species diversity. Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) was the most abundant fish species, that reflecting its ecological resilience. The continued presence of Nile perch & catfish indicates partial recovery of supply chains, while less abundant species demonstrate that fish biodiversity has not been completely lost despite wartime disruptions.
Table 1. Relative abundance, availability, and supply sources of major fish species in white nile andjebel aulia reservoir, sudan.

Fish species

Scientific name

Availability

Relative abundance (%)

Pre-war presence

Main source

Tilapia

Oreochromis spp.

High

35

Yes

White Nile, Jebel Aulia

Nile perch

Lates niloticus

Moderate

20

Yes

White Nile, South Sudan

Catfish

Clarias spp.

Moderate

18

Yes

White Nile, Kosti

Bagrus

Bagrus spp.

Low

10

Yes

White Nile

Synodontis

Synodontis spp.

Low

9

Yes

White Nile

Labeo

Labeo spp.

Rare

8

Yes

White Nile

4.2. Fish Supply Sources
Table 2 summarizes the main fish supply sources & changes observed after the war. The White Nile & Jebel Aulia Reservoir remain the primary suppliers, showing clear improvement compared to wartime conditions. More distant sources have partially recovered, though transportation & security challenges persist.
Table 2. Major fish supply sources and their status during and after war.

Supply source

Approx. distance (km)

Main species

Status during war

Status post-war

White Nile

30–50

Tilapia, Catfish

Disrupted

Improved

Jebel Aulia

40

Tilapia, Nile perch

Limited

Improved

Wad Medani

180

Labeo, Tilapia

Interrupted

Partially restored

Kosti

350

Catfish, Bagrus

Restricted

Improved

South Sudan

>500

Nile perch

Unavailable

Unavailable

4.3. Fish Quality Assessment
According to the sensory assessment presented in Table 3, fish quality in the market ranged from moderate to high. Tilapia & Nile perch achieved the highest scores, indicating acceptable freshness despite limited cold storage facilities.
Table 3. Sensory Quality Assessment of major fish species marketed in the study area.

Fish species

Color (1–5)

Odor (1–5)

Texture (1–5)

Overall quality

Oreochromis spp.

4.5

4.3

4.4

High

Lates niloticus

4.2

4.0

4.1

High

Clarias spp.

4.0

3.8

3.9

Moderate–High

Bagrus spp.

3.7

3.5

3.6

Moderate

Synodontis spp.

3.6

3.4

3.5

Moderate

Labeo spp.

3.5

3.3

3.4

Moderate

4.4. Body Weight Composition
Table 4 presents the approximate body weight composition of major fish species. Muscle yield represented about half of total body weight, highlighting their nutritional & economic value.
Table 4. Body weight composition of the studied fish species.

Fish species

Head (%)

Viscera (%)

Skin & fins (%)

Muscle (%)

Oreochromis spp.

28

12

10

50

Lates niloticus

30

10

10

50

Clarias spp.

26

14

10

50

Bagrus spp.

29

13

9

49

Synodontis spp.

27

15

10

48

Labeo spp.

28

14

10

48

4.5. Indicators of Post-war Market Recovery
As summarized in Table 5, several indicators point to gradual recovery of the Khartoum local fish market. While availability & diversity improved, infrastructure constraints remain a limiting factor.
Table 5. Comparison of Key Market Indicators During and After the War in the Khartoum Local Fish Market.

Indicator

During war

Post-war

Trend

Species diversity

Low

Moderate–High

Increasing

Fish availability

Limited

Improved

Increasing

Fish prices

High

Moderate

Decreasing

Consumer attendance

Low

Increased

Increasing

Cold storage

Poor

Poor–Moderate

Slight improvement

Electricity

Unreliable

Unreliable

No change

5. Discussion
The present study provides valuable insights into the status of fish species diversity & market functionality in the Khartoum central local fish market during the post-war period. The findings indicate a gradual but noticeable recovery in fish availability, species diversity, & market activity compared to conditions reported during the conflict period. This recovery reflects both ecological resilience of Sudanese inl& fisheries & partial restoration of fish supply chains following the cessation of major hostilities. , noted the Nile system’s capacity for natural recovery under improved security conditions. The dominance of Oreochromis spp. (tilapia) observed in the market is consistent with previous studies on Sudanese inl& fisheries, which have highlighted tilapia as the most resilient & adaptable freshwater fish group under environmental & anthropogenic stress . Tilapia’s tolerance to fluctuating water quality, high reproductive capacity, & strong consumer preference contribute to its continued abundance, even during periods of instability. Similar patterns have been documented in other post-conflict African fisheries, where resilient species tend to dominate early recovery phases . However, infrastructural constraints—particularly electricity & cold storage—remain critical barriers to market efficiency & fish quality. Similar post-conflict challenges have been reported in South Sudan fish markets . Fish diversity in the market serves as a useful indicator of both ecological stability & economic recovery. The dominance of tilapia aligns with previous studies identifying it as the most abundant & commercially important species in Sudanese markets . Strengthening fisheries governance, improving infrastructure, & supporting small-scale actors are therefore essential to ensure that the observed recovery in Khartoum’s fish market translates into long-term sustainability & food security.
6. Conclusions
The study concludes that:
1) Fish diversity in the Khartoum local market has shown signs of recovery after the war.
2) Key freshwater species remain available, with tilapia being the most abundant.
3) Market conditions, prices, & consumer attendance have improved compared to wartime conditions.
4) Infrastructure limitations continue to constrain full recovery.
7. Recommendations
1) Improve electricity supply & cold storage facilities in fish markets.
2) Strengthen market infrastructure.
3) Support fishermen & vendors with extension services & market information.
4) Encourage sustainable management of inl& water fisheries.
5) Exp& future studies to include multiple markets & longer monitoring periods.
Abbreviations

FAO

Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

HLPE

High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security & Nutrition

IFPRI

International Food Policy Research Institute

UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

spp.

Multiple Species Within a Genus

Author Contributions
Haram Hassan Abbas Bakhiet: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Writing – review & editing
Rasheda Ibrahim: Data curation, Investigation, Writing – review & editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
[1] Abbas Bakhiet, H. H. A., Hamid, I. M., Ali, R. M. & Abdulla, M. (2023) ‘Proximate composition of Malapterurus electricus & Gymnarchdae niloticus fish from Khartoum fish market’, Mathews Journal of Veterinary Science, 7(1), Article 18.
[2] Abdalla, A. A. & Adam, E. E. (2024) ‘Diversity & distribution of freshwater fish species in Sudanese inl& waters’, African Journal of Aquatic Science, 49(1), pp. 45–58.
[3] Ahmed, A. & Elhaj, M. (2021). Post–conflict recovery of local markets in Darfur: challenges & prospects. Sudan Social Science Review, 9(1), pp. 30–47.
[4] Ahmed, A. & Hassan, M. (2019) ‘Armed conflict & fisheries governance in developing countries’, Marine Policy, 108, pp. 103–110.
[5] Béné, C., Barange, M., Subasinghe, R., Pinstrup–&ersen, P., Merino, G., Hemre, G. I. & Williams, M. (2016) ‘Feeding 9 billion by 2050 – Putting fish back on the menu’, Food Security, 7(2), pp. 261–274.
[6] FAO (2022). Impact of displacement on local food markets in Sudan: Case study on fish markets. Rome: Food & Agriculture Organization.
[7] Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2024) Sudan Fisheries & Aquaculture Country Profile. Rome: FAO.
[8] HLPE (2023) Reducing inequalities for food security & nutrition. Rome: High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security & Nutrition, Committee on World Food Security.
[9] IFPRI (2025) Food market disruptions & price volatility in Sudan. International Food Policy Research Institute, Khartoum Office.
[10] Journal of Peace Research (2022) ‘Natural resources, conflict, & post–war recovery’, Journal of Peace Research, 59(6), pp. 890–905.
[11] Suleiman, D. (2020). Rehabilitation of fish markets in post–war South Sudan. Journal of Developmental Economics & Trade, 5(2), pp. 60–73.
[12] UNEP (2019). Environmental recovery in postconflict Africa: Lessons from Sudan. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme.
[13] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2020) Environmental impacts of armed conflict & implications for natural resource management. Nairobi: UNEP.
[14] WorldFish (2023) Smallscale fisheries, conflict, & resilience in Africa. Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish.
[15] Yassin, E. & Osman, R. (2017). Ichthyofaunal diversity in the Blue & White Nile. Sudan Journal of Biological Research, 8(4), pp. 121–126.
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  • APA Style

    Bakhiet, H. H. A., Ibrahim, R. (2026). Fish Diversity Assessment in Khartoum Central Local Fish Market During the Post-war Period. Science Frontiers, 7(3), 65-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12

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    ACS Style

    Bakhiet, H. H. A.; Ibrahim, R. Fish Diversity Assessment in Khartoum Central Local Fish Market During the Post-war Period. Sci. Front. 2026, 7(3), 65-69. doi: 10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12

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    AMA Style

    Bakhiet HHA, Ibrahim R. Fish Diversity Assessment in Khartoum Central Local Fish Market During the Post-war Period. Sci Front. 2026;7(3):65-69. doi: 10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12

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  • @article{10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12,
      author = {Haram Hassan Abbas Bakhiet and Rasheda Ibrahim},
      title = {Fish Diversity Assessment in Khartoum Central Local Fish Market During the Post-war Period},
      journal = {Science Frontiers},
      volume = {7},
      number = {3},
      pages = {65-69},
      doi = {10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sf.20260703.12},
      abstract = {Freshwater fisheries play a vital role in food security, employment generation, and livelihood support in Sudan; however, the recent armed conflict severely disrupted fish production, transportation networks, market operations, and consumer access to fish products. This study assessed fish species diversity, market conditions, and indicators of post-war recovery in the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market, one of the most important fish trading centers in Sudan. A descriptive field-based approach was employed, combining direct market observations with structured interviews involving fish vendors, fishermen, and consumers. Information on fish species composition, supply sources, market activity, fish prices, and product quality was collected and compared with conditions reported during the conflict period. The findings revealed moderate to high fish species diversity within the market, with species of the genus Oreochromis being the most abundant, followed by Clarias spp. and Lates niloticus. Market observations indicated increased fish availability and consumer attendance compared with wartime conditions, while fish prices showed a moderate decline, suggesting gradual stabilization of market dynamics and improved supply. The White Nile and Jebel Aulia Reservoir were identified as the primary post-war sources of fish supply, and sensory quality assessments demonstrated generally acceptable freshness of marketed fish. Despite these positive developments, several challenges remain, particularly unreliable electricity supply, inadequate cold-storage facilities, and limitations in market infrastructure. Overall, the results indicate that the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market is exhibiting clear signs of ecological and commercial recovery following the conflict; however, sustained recovery of the fisheries sector will require targeted investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development, and market support systems to enhance resilience and ensure long-term sustainability in post-conflict urban environments.},
     year = {2026}
    }
    

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    AU  - Haram Hassan Abbas Bakhiet
    AU  - Rasheda Ibrahim
    Y1  - 2026/07/08
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    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12
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    T2  - Science Frontiers
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    JO  - Science Frontiers
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    EP  - 69
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2994-7030
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sf.20260703.12
    AB  - Freshwater fisheries play a vital role in food security, employment generation, and livelihood support in Sudan; however, the recent armed conflict severely disrupted fish production, transportation networks, market operations, and consumer access to fish products. This study assessed fish species diversity, market conditions, and indicators of post-war recovery in the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market, one of the most important fish trading centers in Sudan. A descriptive field-based approach was employed, combining direct market observations with structured interviews involving fish vendors, fishermen, and consumers. Information on fish species composition, supply sources, market activity, fish prices, and product quality was collected and compared with conditions reported during the conflict period. The findings revealed moderate to high fish species diversity within the market, with species of the genus Oreochromis being the most abundant, followed by Clarias spp. and Lates niloticus. Market observations indicated increased fish availability and consumer attendance compared with wartime conditions, while fish prices showed a moderate decline, suggesting gradual stabilization of market dynamics and improved supply. The White Nile and Jebel Aulia Reservoir were identified as the primary post-war sources of fish supply, and sensory quality assessments demonstrated generally acceptable freshness of marketed fish. Despite these positive developments, several challenges remain, particularly unreliable electricity supply, inadequate cold-storage facilities, and limitations in market infrastructure. Overall, the results indicate that the Khartoum Central Local Fish Market is exhibiting clear signs of ecological and commercial recovery following the conflict; however, sustained recovery of the fisheries sector will require targeted investments in infrastructure, cold-chain development, and market support systems to enhance resilience and ensure long-term sustainability in post-conflict urban environments.
    VL  - 7
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Science, Sudan University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan

  • Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Science, Sudan University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan

  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Materials & Methods
    3. 3. Data Analysis
    4. 4. Results
    5. 5. Discussion
    6. 6. Conclusions
    7. 7. Recommendations
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  • Abbreviations
  • Author Contributions
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • References
  • Cite This Article
  • Author Information