Effect of Mechanized Rain fed Farming On Vegetation Cover and Effect of Shelter Belts on Environment At Ghadambaliya Area Gedaref State (SUDAN)

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Gedaref state. It was the first part of the Sudan in which mechanized rain fed farming was introduced .Mechanization first started in Ghadambaliya area north of the Gedaref state .The objective of this work is to know the effects of mechanized rain fed farming on vegetation cover and the effect of shelter belts on environment Ghadambaliya area Gedaref State (SUDAN) . It’s clear that most of vegetation cover was removed except a few natural reserved forests. Also it’s important to know the negative reflection of the deterioration on environmental factors and human life at the area. Vegetation cover and forests are cleared for growing of crops, because it is characterized by its fertility and suitability for growing crops. The expansion of mechanized rain fed schemes, tradition rain fed agriculture, illicit cutting for charcoal and fire wood and cover grazing created environmental problems, that effect ecological equilibrium and biodiversity. The study explained the fluctuation in climatic factors and change in biotic factors, degradation in soil resources, reduction in grains production and shortage in forest products. The problem increased and the people lost the multipurpose of the species .farmers believed that, they could participate in protection and rehabilitation of the area when ever those concerned provide the seeds and tree seedling.Reseach motheds of stuty relevant secondary data were collected from archives, report of the project and previous studies and refrences .The experimental design adopted was nested to assess the distance and season . Data analysis had been done using the computer program SAS (Statistical Analysis System) for distance and season . For questionnaire the data analyzsis by using statistical package of social science (SPSS) .Questionnaire was prepared for Ghadambaliya area , nineteen questions were used to collect the information such as ,age, occupation and level of education. In this questionnaire questions were about effect of vegetation cover deterioration and other benefits gained from mechanized rain fed farm and other set of questions about the expansion of mechanized rain fed farming for different reasons that affect in the deterioration of vegetation cover Interviews were done at Ghadambaliya area with farmers , officials and rangers of National forests corporation Gedaref state. -The results study revealed that environment and soil moistur had been affected by shelter belts. -It was found that the main factors contributing to the soil moisture defferences at the study area was distance from shelter belts . -The study revealed that environment and vegetation cover had been degraded at Gedaref area . -It was found that the main factors contributing to the deterioration of vegetation cover at the study area were expansion of mechanized rain fed schemes, illegal cutting , and over grazing. - The impact of this had been indiscriminate destruction of vegetation cover , crop yield decline and decline of soil fertility. For better rational use of the environment resources available in order to check the trend of deterioration vegetation cover, the following is recommended: 1. There is a need for coordination between concerned agricultural sectors . 2. Raise the awareness of the local farmers , encourage and support them to participate in planning to improve vegetation cover . 3. Shelter belts of 10 percent of the area round the agricultural schemes in rain fed areas should be enforced and implemented through mechanized farming corporation and forest national corporation . 4. Participation of mass media and other information service in environmental affairs must be developed extended and strengthened.