CONTRIBUTION OF NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS IN FOOD SECURITY IN EL- RENK AREA

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Er. Renk Area, Northern upper Nile State of the Sudan. The main objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of some of the non-wood forest products (NWFPs) to the food security. This was carried out through determination of nutritional values of some parts of NWFPs. Also the contribution of the NWFPs for income generation and its environmental role to enhance the livelihood of the people in the area was assessed. The results indicated that, parts of some non-wood forest products like the fruits of some trees contain essential nutritional sources that can contribution substantially to the local food security. The fruits of Tebeldi (Adansonia digitata) and Sidir/Nabak (Ziziphus Spina-christi) contain 0.52% and 0.78% protein, 50.6% and 78.4% Carbohydrates and 5.6mg/100g, 5.9mg/100g vitamin C respectively. People in the study area use different non-wood forest products as snacks or famine foods during times of scarcity. Some are also used to add palatability to the staple diets. Among the non-wood forest products which are widely used in the study area were the fruits of Heglig, Tebeldi, Nabak and Dom. Also honey, fish and bush meat. In addition to the dietary contributions, NWFPs, also play a role as income generating activities. The environmental role of non-wood forest products will enhance agricultural productivity. The medicinal values of some non-wood forest products also play a role in the health and safety of the inhabitants. So the non-wood forest products complement each other to contribute to the concept of the food security.