Climate Change and Rangeland Degradation in Eastern Sudan: Which Adaptation Strategy Works Well?

Abstract

Despite the recent dominance of oil production, livestock has consistently played a central role in the economy of Sudan represented by Gross Domestic Product and the livelihood of its people. In spite of providing such value, pastoralist areas in Sudan tend to have the highest incidence of poverty and the least access to basic services compared to other areas. In Gadarif State of eastern Sudan, livestock production is made by pastoral and agro-pastoral traditional systems that have evolved in response to the region’s diverse environments. Recently, this region has been hit by climate change and rangeland degradation leading to considerable changes in the way livestock is being kept and its products are being made. Pastoralists are forced to follow permutations of adaptation measures that led many small keepers to lose their livestock and others to leave the business altogether. This study assessed the possible adaptation measures, initiatives, and strategies that are potential combatants to range degradation and climate change. To track and evaluate the outcomes of adaptation interventions, a scheduled interview is used to collect quantitative data from pastoralists’ households. Applied adjustments such as destocking, changing herd composition, less watering frequency, changing grazing time, transportation of water using tankers, and buying crop residue are among major adaptation measures followed by pastoralists. Some applied adaptation measures are led to deplete households’ assets. Nowadays, pastoralists need to pay a high price for supplement forage and also to water their flock. The study identified a significant drop in number of livestock heads owned by households. Under such circumstances, it is clear that the adaptation measures followed by pastoralists are not reducing their vulnerability to rangeland degradation and climate change.