Research Article
Impact of Climate Change Vulnerability on Agriculture, Forestry, Water Resources and Range Land in South Darfur State, Sudan
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-15
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
13 October 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: This study was conducted in South Darfur State (SDS) during 2019 with aim to assessing climate change vulnerability by using the INDVI and Aridity Index (AI) to study the impact of climate change on forestry and range species. Three methods used were: (1) Remote sensing method to estimate INDVI and aridity index (AI), (2) Focus group discussion and (3) Key informant interview (KII). According to MODIST and LAND SAT-8 data the results from vulnerability assessment showed that 0.003% of Beliel locality is highly vulnerable, 13.5% is moderate vulnerable, 13.5% is slight vulnerable, while 63.8% from the total area are non-vulnerable. For Mershing locality 48% of the locality is highly vulnerable, 32% moderately vulnerable and 20% as slight vulnerable. In Gereida locality the result showed that most of the locality (82.3%) is non-vulnerable, while only 17.7% from the total area is slightly vulnerable. The main field crops in the targeted localities are Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), groundnut (Arachis hypogeal), millet (Pennisetumglaucum), okra (Abelmoschusesculentus), cowpea (vignaunguiculata), sesame (Sesamumindicum), maize (Zea mays), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and other vegetable crops. Crop production constrains include; low and erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility, lack of extension services, and poor crop genetic stock. The main tree species in the study area are Adansoniadigitata, Acacia melleifera, Acacia radiana, Hyphaenethebaica, Cliotropesprocera, Acacia nubica, Balanitesaegyptiaca, Ziziphusspina-christia, Acacia nilotica, Ficusglumosa, Tamarindusindica, Sclerocaryabirrea, Hyphaenethebaica and Acacia senegal. Theconstrains forest sector the absence of alternative source of energy, poverty, violent-conflict, overgrazing, population growth, climate change, mismanagement, gold mining and Agriculture & urban expansion these represent major factors among others that lead to forest degradation. The results showed that the palatable range species are decreasing compared with the previous seasons. The main constrains for range land improvement and animal production in the targeted villages are, unavailability of vaccines, expansion of the cultivated land, scarcity of water for animals and human consumption, tribe conflict and armed robbers. Therefore, the general recommendation for the targeted localities can be summarized in use of improved varieties for field and horticultural crops, improved water harvesting and spreading technologies, improved crop storage, establishment of community forests and nurseries and alternative energy sources. Furthermore, climate change could accelerate the spread of malaria, yellow fever and cholera. Although the provision of basic health services and health education will be a necessary element to adaptation.
Abstract: This study was conducted in South Darfur State (SDS) during 2019 with aim to assessing climate change vulnerability by using the INDVI and Aridity Index (AI) to study the impact of climate change on forestry and range species. Three methods used were: (1) Remote sensing method to estimate INDVI and aridity index (AI), (2) Focus group discussion and...
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Research Article
Influence of Indigenous and Exotic Tree Species on
Macro-invertebrate Diversity in the Arboretum Forest of Rwanda
Gaspard Rwami Ntabakirabose*,
Julienne Uwitonze,
Jean de Dieu Buregeya,
Alfred Niyobyose,
Alice Benimana,
Eleonore Kambabazi,
Donat Nsabimana,
Canisius Patrick Mugunga,
David Mwehia Mburu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
16-24
Received:
1 November 2025
Accepted:
11 November 2025
Published:
24 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbes.20261201.12
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Abstract: Forest composition, particularly the presence of indigenous versus exotic tree species, can strongly influence macroinvertebrate communities, which play key roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem functioning. This study conducted a comparative assessment of macro-invertebrate diversity and abundance under five indigenous tree species (Polyscias fulva, Maesopsis eminii, Croton megalocarpus, Carapa grandiflora, Podocarpus falcatus) and five exotic tree species (Eucalyptus macurata, Cupressus lusitanica, Callitris robusta, Bambusa vulgaris, Casuarina equisetifolia) in the Arboretum Forest of Rwanda. Stratified random sampling established 30 plots (10 m × 10 m each), from which macro-invertebrates were collected using leaf litter extraction, pitfall traps, and hand sorting. Environmental variables, including leaf litter quality, canopy cover, and soil moisture, were recorded to assess their influence on invertebrate diversity. Results indicated that indigenous trees supported significantly higher macroinvertebrate abundance than exotic trees. Indigenous species showed a more even distribution of taxa across multiple orders, whereas a few generalist groups dominated. Correlation analyses revealed that soil moisture, litter depth, and canopy cover were positively associated with macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance, whereas higher litter C:N ratios were detrimental to these communities. Notably, certain indigenous species (Bambusa vulgaris) provided favorable microhabitats for specific guilds but did not match the overall diversity of native trees. The findings highlight the ecological value of native tree species in supporting diverse and abundant macroinvertebrate communities, thereby enhancing ecosystem functions. For arboretum management and restoration planning in Rwanda, prioritizing native trees while strategically integrating select non-native species can optimize biodiversity and maintain critical ecosystem services.
Abstract: Forest composition, particularly the presence of indigenous versus exotic tree species, can strongly influence macroinvertebrate communities, which play key roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem functioning. This study conducted a comparative assessment of macro-invertebrate diversity and abundance under five indigenous tr...
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,
Kamal Eldin Mohammed Fadul
