Plant Biodiversity Assessment and its Contribution in the Livelihood of Local Communities: A Case Study of El Ain Reserved Forest, North Kordofan, Sudan

The importance of biodiversity and its linkage to livelihood aspects has been recognized at different levels. The direct and indirect services it provides are necessary to the livelihood of many people, and its loss is more severe to natural resource-dependent communities with limited livelihood options. In recent years, plant biodiversity is highly threatened by drought, desertification, deforestation, overgrazing, and poverty, which resulted in the damage of the habitats and loss of many species. Reserved forests have played a significant role in conserving plant biodiversity while providing substantial benefits to households in rural areas. In this study, plant biodiversity of El Ain reserved forest was assessed, and its contribution in the livelihood of local communities was investigated. Across the study area, a total of 73 woody plant species and 64 herbaceous plant species from 31 families were recorded. The families Fabaceae and Poaceae are well represented in the flora of EL Ain reserved forest and its buffer zone. The results also revealed that the majority of the recorded herbaceous and woody plants have had significant, impacts on peoples livelihood strategies. They have a various contribution from cash income to multiple other uses such as construction material, fuelwood, fruits, food, fodder, shelter and recreation.