Community Participation in Climate Change Mitigation Research in the Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of Sudan

Abstract

Three studies were conducted in three states within the arid and semi-arid zones of Sudan namely; Northern State, White Nile and North Kordafan States. The Northern State is located between latitudes 16° 53′ and 16° 56′ N and longitudes 31° 36′ and 31° 40′ E. The soil is sandy with inherent deficiency in nitrogen and organic matter. The mean annual rainfall is 40 mm only, and the mean minimum and maximum temperatures are 39 and 23 °C, respectively. The objectives of this study were to develop methods for controlling wind erosion using different methods of establishment for different tree species with the involvement of local communities in field work and protection of farms. The study site in the White Nile State is located in Central Sudan (32° 15′ N and 14° 45′ E). The average rainfall is less than 200 mm. The soil of the study area is classified as White Nile clays. The third study was conducted in North Kordofan State (11° 15′ and 16° 45′ N; 27° 05′ to 32° E) where the soil is sandy and the annual rainfall is about 318 mm and where the accumulation of sands affected up to 50% of the agricultural land. The Agricultural Research Corporation and the Forests National Corporation organized extension work and training for the local communities in controlling desertification and stabilizing sands using seeds and seedlings in home nurseries. The studies recommended the establishment of drought tolerant trees by integrating mechanical protection means with seedlings planting in the arid and semi-arid lands of Sudan for stabilizing the highly moving sand dunes.