Impact of Climate Change Vulnerability on Agriculture, Forestry, Water Resources and Range Land in West Darfur State, Sudan

Climate change and the conflicts in Darfur have severely impacted crop production, forestry and range land which lead to sever implications in household income, safety, coping strategies, and overall food security. The current study was conducted in three localities in West Darfur State (WDS) during 2019 with aim to asses’ climate change vulnerability by using the NDVI and Aridity Index (AI) and to study the impact of climate change on crop production, forestry and range species in the targeted localities. Three methods were used (1) Remote sensing method (2) Focus group discussion and (3) Key informant interview (KII). According to MODIST and LAND SAT-8 data 87% from El Geneina locality area was classified as non-vulnerable and 13% as slightly vulnerable. Kerenik locality is classified as non- vulnerable to climate changes. 0.5% from the locality area is classified as moderate vulnerable, 13.3% as slightly vulnerable, while 86.2% from the total area was classified as non-vulnerable. For Sirba locality 87.5% of the locality is classified as non-vulnerable, 12.3% as slightly vulnerable and 0.2% as moderately vulnerable. The results from focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview showed that the crop production, forest cover and range conditions were highly affected by climate change. The targeted localities experienced drought spells during the periods 84, 85, 86, 85, 2002 and 2018 beside 2003 war. The consequences include; shortage of water, shortage of foods, dust storms, bush fires, crop failure, dead of trees, loss of livestock, food gap, famine and death of children and elder people. In response to the challenges of climate change, households adopted many coping strategies which include: migration to big cities, selling assets, borrowing money, reduce food consumption, requesting social support and use of seeds of grasses and trees as famine foods. The recommendation that suggested by the local communities to improve crop production include; provision of improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizers, mechanization especially intermediate technologies, strengthen ofagricultural extension. For forestry sector the recommendation include; establishment of village nurseries and community forestry, shelter belts and wind breaks, provision of improved stoves and solar energy. For range and forage sector the recommendation include; planting and protecting of fodder trees, seed broadcasting, provision of veterinary services and capacity building in range improvement and management.