Assessing Impact of Rangeland Degradation on Pastoral Communities Livelihood Systems in Al-Salam Locality-South Darfur State – Sudan

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Al-Salam locality in South Darfur State. The aim of this study was to assess impacts of Rangeland degradation on pastoral communities livelihoods system in South Darfur state, Besides assess the impacts of grazing land degradation on Food Security and income generation of pastoralist in the study area. The methods of data collection depended on: General survey and visits to the study area, besides the general characteristics of pastoral communities, This was based on structured questionnaires covering different parameters, and Direct interviews were carried out with key informants to provide in going or past information obtained from Range and pasture administration office. Four villages namely (Abu agora, Safia, Domyia , and Towga) were randomly selected from the total number of villages which were about (20) villages, representing a locality .total of 60 respondent were selected and interviewed . Data was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study concluded that majorities the respondents they were settlement and practice grazing inform of sedentary in addition to cultivating of some agricultural crops such as millet, beans, maize . ,and 90% depend mainly on wells as sources of water for human and animal in the study area. The study showed that there was sever decrease in rangeland in the study area as result of the agricultural expansion associated with used of modern agricultural machines which was reflected in the occurrence of conflict over the use of grazing resources by the pastoral communities in the study area, Also the study revealed that the increase of conflict and competition between sedentary pastoral communities and other land users due to the un clarity of land ownership and non registration of rangeland in addition to the absence of clear mapping and demarcation of nomadic routes. This study recommended that: Greet attention should be adopted by government and non- governmental organizations for providing necessary needs service to pastoralist in their areas by supporting livelihoods, diversifying sources of income beside establishment of health center and schools. Also, distribution of water point in suitable place in grazing area in order to prevent conflicts, in addition to increase the number of other water sources such as AL-Dwanki to provide water for humans and livestock specially in remote areas . Effectiveness of polices and laws of landowner and registration of Rangeland, Beside great attention for mapping of animals rout in order to assists in implementation of Rangeland pasture activities and management it in sustainable manner. support the role of local administration in managing the process of grazing, as well as contributing in resolving conflicts between pastoralists and other users through local administration.