THE FACTORS LIMITING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MINISTERIAL DECREE No. 345 1992 IN THE GEZIRA SCHEME

Abstract

The Factors limiting The Implementation of The Ministerial Decree No. 345 (1992) in The Gezira Scheme This study was conducted in the Gezira Scheme, which is the largest, oldest and most important agricultural scheme in the Sudan. The over all objective of the study was to investigate the problems of irrigated forest plantations in the Gezira Scheme of the Sudan, by highlighting the factors which jeopardize the implementation of the ministerial decree No.345 of 1992, which has stipulated the allocation of (5%) of the total irrigated area in Gezira Scheme for forests as shelterbelts and windbreaks, and investigate the obstacles of completion of Abu Gouta forest belt in the northern frontiers of the Gezira Scheme. Records, literature review and formal visits to the study area were used to collect the secondary data. A questionnaire was prepared to collect the primary data. Never less, open interviews were conducted with persons in the Gezira Board, Agricultural Research Corporation and Farmers Union. General guidelines were use to design the questionnaire. The study concluded that although there was a ministerial decree since 1992 stipulating the allocation of (5%) of the total irrigated area for forests, However, results from this study show that the implementation of the ministerial decree was far below expectation, and now forests cover only about (0.5%) of the total irrigated area. The study also concluded that the management policy implemented by Gezira Board, was not effective. Lack of funds, and lack of public awareness were the main obstacles for implementing the Ministerial Decree No. 345 of 1992. The present study recommended the revision of the management policies to include people participation at different levels in the plantations programs, increase environmental awareness among farmers through extensive extension programs, solving problems of irrigation and areas and providing enough funds. This approach is expected to contribute to the implementation of the ministerial decree No.345 and pave the way to the establishment of shelterbelts and windbreaks to the stipulated 5% of the total irrigated area of the Gezira Irrigated Scheme.