Strategy and methodology of research on desertification in the Sudan: soil and water conservation sector

Degradation processes can cause substantial decline in the soil productive capacity. Only under favorable climatic conditions the soil is resilient if degradation process is not drastic or sufficient time is allowed for restoration process to take place. Hence the soil is a limited natural resource that needs to be considered. With increasing human population and constant soil misuse and management the needs for appropriate per capita arable land area can not be achieved without the assistance of science-based innovative research and technology. The role of concerted international, regional and local efforts is of paramount necessity for combating land degradation through proper integrated soil and water conservation programmes. Wind erosion is the most widely spread soil degradation process in the arid and semi-arid zone of Sudan affecting over 40; of the 64 million hectares of degraded land. Desert encroachment has been recognized as the most serious environmental problem in northern Sudan. Also comprehensive reviews of the extent, distribution and management of salt-affected soils in the Sudan are made available. Limited national research has been undertaken in understanding and control of most of the land degradation processes. Many generalizations are circulated on the techniques of soil and water conservation measures but without being scientifically verified. This is attributed mainly to lack of coordination and ccooperation between teaching and research institutions concerned with this issue. Thus a vital need arises for formulation a strategy and an agreed upon methodology for streamlining research in this area. The main objective is to identify technological packages for appropriate control and management of the soil and water resources at various ecological zones, which are adversely affected by desertification processes. Priority research themes need to be considered in this context should cover identification, assessment and mapping of the major hazards associated with soil erosion by wind and water, Soil salinity and sodicity, soil compaction, afforestation and agroforestry, soil and water pollution, water resourcess development, conservation, protection and management. The standard methodologies to be followed include: direct laboratory, green house and/or field measurements, remote sensing techniques, mathematical, modeling and parameteric methods