Contribution of Forest Plantations in Satisfaction of Some Local Needs, Case Study, Rahad Agricultural Scheme – Sudan

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted at the Rahad Agricultural Scheme (RAS) in Sudan, during the period 2003-2006. The main objective of this study was to investigate the role of forest plantations in satisfaction of some local needs from the benefits created by these forests. For data collection, secondary data was obtained from reports, records, related studies, meetings and discussions with officials, semi-officials, and villagers. Group discussions with farmers to clarify some points were held. In order to investigate the impact of Rahad forest plantations on the inhabitants of the scheme area a questionnaire was prepared to collect the primary data and 50 respondents were interviewed. The target groups were foresters, researchers, farmers, forest guards and project employees. The target group was randomly selected based on variation of age, gender, jobs and education level .For data analysis, SPSS software was used. The percentage of each variable is calculated and the mean of some variables was also calculated. The results obtained from this study can be summarized as: Forest plantations at (RAS) satisfy the local needs, they produce sufficient fuel-wood, charcoal, building poles, and fencing materials, fodder, sawn timber and increase the income of people. So the study recommended that, there is a need to increase the awareness of people towards forest plantations and to improve the management system.