The impact of human practices on environmental degradation and desertification in Alfula locality of West Kordofan State, Sudan

The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of human practices on environmental degradation and desertification in Alfula locality in West Kordofan, Sudan. The data used in this study were collected through focus group discussions, observations and several site visits. Secondary data were used to supplement the primary data. The study revealed that there are many tree species that have disappeared or reduced in the study area, among them species producing gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal). The presence of invader shrub species was also observed. Investigations on human practices on the environment concluded that, the agricultural practices characterized by applying inappropriate farming methods with agricultural expansion has led to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. This increasing horizontal expansion of farms has destroyed most of pastureland, and the seasonal grazing lands have shrinked. The study recommends that, to reduce environmental degradation caused by deforestation and to protect the threatened ecological zone, suitable tree species should be introduced, grown and protected. Moreover, the existing rules and policies of forest conservation should be implemented.