Strategy and methodology of research on desertification in the Sudan: Range sector
2004
Abu-Suwar, A.O.,University of Khartoum, Khartoum (Sudan). Desertification and Desert Cultivation Studies Institute | Darrag, A.,Ministry of Agriculture, Khartoum (Sudan). Range and Pasture Administration
Rangelands are most vulnerable to desertification, if not properly managed, rehabilitated and improved since they represent, along with forest areas, about two thirds of the country's area. With a quick glance to rangelands, almost, if not all, of the range areas are over-grazed, denuded and have become vulnerable to desertification. The objectives of this paper are to set research strategy and methodology in the range management sector to combat desertification. Research programs must focus on: * Updating vegetation maps through aerial photographs, satellite image interpretation and techniques to identify changes in vegetation composition, distribution and production; * Updating the flora of the country; * Identification of the biological, chemical and physical indicators that can help in assessing desertification and degradation of natural resources; * Use of suitable methods for monitoring and evaluation of range vegetation; * Rangeland rehabilitation for control of desertification; * Use of different range improvement techniques for rehabilitation of degraded areas (e.g. seed pelleting), construction of fire lines to prevent accidental fires in rangelands, sand dune fixation, water spreading harvesting of forage and baling during the wet season to be used during dry seasons (forage bank), collection of rare desirable species for conservation (seed banks)..etc. To combat desertification in the range management sector the following programs should receive top priority: * Reseeding of denuded areas with suitable adapted species; * Adoption of mechanical and biological means to upgrade the nutritive value of range vegetation; * Adoption of ranking systems; * Use of simple technologies such as compression of cotton stalks and manufacturing of molasses cubes to be used as feed supplements; * Reducing over-cutting of wood through introduction of improved stoves for cooking, using mud in building huts instead of wood, and making charcoal cubes from cotton stalks and groundnut hulls
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