Effect of Human Activities on Forest Biodiversity in White Nile State, Sudan

This study was carried out in White Nile State to determine effects of human activities on forest biodiversity. The area is rich with natural forests. The forestland is continuously deforested and the remaining forests are degraded because of agricultural practices and the absence of management plan. This study aims to investigate the forest cover changes and understand the vegetation dynamics in three zones, zone (I) which represents the tree cover that extends along khores and low lands, zone (II) represents the scatter trees defined as trees outside forests including areas as open grazing land; zone (III) is the agricultural land. Each of them is approximately 400 hectare. The components of each zone included land use categories of forest cover scattered. A social survey was conducted to assess the link between community practices and natural resource development. The questionnaire included a set of questions about tree and their status. The study reveals that the role of community participation is crucial in conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. However, this community solely relies on fuel wood as the main source of energy with a limited use of alternatives sources like kerosene and gas; this may necessitate a shift toward alternatives sources in order to reduce the consumption of wood.