Threats to Sustainable Livestock Production in Sudan

Abstract

Sudan is famous for livestock production all over the world. Nevertheless, livestock production was faced by a lot of obstacles. This paper focuses on identifying these barriers. Holistic overview of the past, present and future challenges of sustainable livestock production was used to identify these constraints. They can be summed up into natural and man -made factors which are interacting together to hinder sustainable management of both animals as well as range resources of the country. Natural factors can be summarized as follows: most of range resources of the range resources of Sudan in semi-arid and sensitive fragile areas, alternating dry and wet periods, desertification, climate changes, pests and diseases, soil types and geomorphological factors. While man made factors can be grouped into: local culture, conflicts between herders and cultivators, seasonal bush fires, dissolution of native administration, nomadic tribes coming from neighbouring countries, poor range management, grazing systems adopted, etc.From the other hand, the above mentioned constraints have resulted in negative socioeconomic impacts such as loss of herds, migration of herders to the outskirts of the neighbouring urban centres , socio-cultural changes, family disintegration and lack of essential livelihood services, etc. Sustainable livestock production can be attained through changes in the prevailing local cultures that the number of animals is the source of political power and social prestige, adoption of sustainable practices that help in reducing overgrazing and range deterioration, rehabilitation of fire lines and strengthening the role of local institutions for adopting indigenous cultural practices, etc.

Smart Agriculture from a Sudanese Perspective

“…In addition to the loss of land, agricultural expansion has also blocked livestock migratory routes between many of the widely separated dry and wet season pastures, and in between the herds and daily watering points [5].…”

“…In environmental terms, the reported is overgrazing and land degradation. In social terms, the reported consequences for pastoralsist societies is an effectively permanent loss of livelihoods and entrenched poverty [5].…”

“…Kordofan and North Darfur States. They are working now in traditional gold mining which provides them with better income compared to cultivation or herding [5].…”

“…4. Adoption of indigenous cultural practices such as no tillage, agroforestry, mixed cropping, agroforestry, etc… [5]. 5.…”

Conflicts and Natural Environment of the Sudan with some Emphasis on Darfur Region

“…Increased human and livestock population pressures[5] • Displacement by mechanized agricultural schemes • Reduced and unreliable rainfall • Desertification, soil depletion and soil erosion are ongoing • General trend for displacement to the south and to the cities and increased frequency of local level clashes A lack of development and livelihood options: Outside of the main urban areas, Sudan remains very poor and underdeveloped. Rural populations consequently have very few options to solve these agricultural crises, as solutions like agricultural development, improvements in pasture and stock quality, and using working capital to cover short term needs and alternative employment are simply not available[8].Environmental impact of conflict Direct impacts: Landmines and explosive remnants of war Landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) are a major problem in Sudan.Indirect and secondary environmental impacts of conflict:The environmental impacts of population displacement. After civilian deaths and injuries, the most significant effect of conflict on the population of Sudan has been displacement -people fleeing conflict zones seeking security.…”