The typical image of the Gezira Scheme, a large-scale irrigation design started in 1925 under British colonial rule in Sudan, is of a centrally planned effort by a central colonial power controlling tenants and cotton production. However, any idea(l)s of planned irrigation and profit in Gezira had to be realized by African farmers and European officials, who both had their own agendas. This book rewrites Gezira's history, in terms of colonial control, farmers' actions and resistance, and the broader development debate. It shows that projects like Gezira are best understood in terms of continuous negotiations. Although multiple planning efforts involving many people and
institutions did exist, we would do well to remember (Captain) Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean when trying to understand Gezira's planned development: 'Do you think he plans it all out or does he make it up as he goes along?'
