Strategy and methodology of research on desertification in the Sudan: forestry sector

In 1960 a forest research programme was approved. Accordingly, 4 research divisions were recognized, namely, the arid zone, clay plains of central and eastern Sudan, western sands and the southern reggion. Each zone was headed by a silviculturist who supervised the research programmes of that division. By 1962, forestry research and education project was inaugurated at Soba under an assistant director. This was the benchmark of forestry research in Sudan. Many projects were formulated for the 4 research divisions, all these were executed and reported in due time by the research staff (expatriates and locals). The FAO/UNDP project continued till 1968 then extended to 1972. A lot of basic information was gathered during this period. Since 1975, forestry research was incorporated into the Agricultural Research Corporation. The bulk of research was silvicultural in the low rainfall Savannah and semi-arid zones north of latitude 10 deg N. Basic information on the ecology and silviculture of the main tree species were documented together with botanical descriptions, seed and seedling research. Appropriate nursery techniques were developed and yield studies undertaken for the principal plantations, e.g. Acacia nilotica. Many exotic tree species were introduced and tested in arboreta before recommending for field planting. A huge amount of literature had accumulated. After the termination of the research and education project, lack of funds and logistics curtailed the research activities which were reactivated by the middle 1980's. The forest research projects were revised in 1998 and the future research themes indicated as establishment, production and protection in conjunction with agroforestry and combating desertification. For this the following major projects were formulated viz. ecology of natural forests, regeneration of natural forests, riverian forests, irrigated forests, shelter belts, environmental conservation, combating desertification. Considering the status quo of Sudan's forest cover and the ensuing land degradation, the following recommendation are highlighted: 1- Forestry research should concentrate efforts on a few projects prioritized according to the state of vulnerability of the ecosystem to deterioration. 2- Afforestation-reforestation issues should get priority. 3- Environmental conservation should be emphasized all over the cological zones. 4- A fixed percentage of GDP should be earmarked for scientific research. 5- Forestry research should be closely linked with Forest National Corporation in implementing the projects and relevant universities and other institutes for formulationg the research topics. 6- A summary of all forestry research work should be published to serve as a basis for future research planning