Study of the Causes of Deforestation in kunduwa Forest at Nyala Locality, South Darfur State, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted at kunduwa forest, Nyala locality, South Darfur State during the year2017. The objective of this study was to know the causes of deforestation at kunduwa forest .Data were collected from previous studies, references a socio economic study using a questionnaire and official and unofficial meetings. This study showed that education level is low at the study area and also it is found that environmental awareness is low. The study also showed that income is mainly from agriculture. Also the study showed that the types of trees found there were Azadirachtaindica, Khayasenegalensisand Eucalyptusmicorotheca. These were the most important timber species found at the study area. Leaves, roots and fruits are the main tree parts used in medicine or as fodderandalso in industry field. Kunduwa forest creates good environment for animal's and acts as a source of fodder for them .The study also revealed that the forest had been used for recreation. This study also showed that other activities at the study area were farming and grazing, and the main tree species consumed during summer wereAcacia Oerfota and Acacia mellifera. Animals found at the study area were mainly cows, sheep and goats and the study showed that damage was caused by them .Also this study showed that income source was during drought and summer was through grass selling. The study revealed that there were conflicts between farmers and pasturalists. This study also showed that energy source was from firewood and charcoal. Kunduwa forest was well stocked before refugee's settlement. The study also showed that people participation in extension work was low. It also revealed that there was legislation for forest protection though they are suitable for that purpose, but they were not applied effectively. The study recommended that adequate fund should be made available to rehabilitate the destructed forest .Kalma camp of refugees should be shifted far away from the forest. This is in addition to provision of security services so as to implement the extension and plantation programs.