Approach to Development of Urban and peri-Urban Forests in Khartoum State

More than half the area of Khartoum State is either desert or semi-desert. Forest cover is declining as a result of various factors. Khartoum as an urban area is characterized by high wood consumption most of inhabitants depend on wood energy provided from near by forests or remote ones. The research is aimed at measuring and inventorying urban forests resources, understanding how urbanization impacts local forest stands and assisting city planners in developing appropriate management plan. The argument of the study is that trees and forests in urban areas and urban surroundings are not receiving the attention they need and deserve as compared to the benefits they provide. Umm-durman locality was selected to represent Khartoum State. Four quarters were selected to represent the urban areas and four villages selected to represent the peri-urban areas. Citizens were interviewed to examine their interest in participation in tree planting programmes and the constraints hindering tree planting activities. The study relied on primary and secondary data. Two questionnaires were used for data collection in addition to the reconnaissance survey. The techniques of data analysis include tabular, descriptive statistics, and Chi- Square Test. The analysis revealed that tree planting and green areas in Khartoum State are developing with increasing awareness of communities and presence of a number of organizations and institutions interested in developing tree planting programes. People are interested and practicing planting trees in spite of absence of extension services, or organized work at the level of quarters or villages and the absence of near by nurseries. People's purposes for planting trees differ according to the need of the area. Coordination, sustained fund, and technical problems are the most constraints in developing urban and peri-urban forests. The survey conducted by the study indicates that a diversity of tree species exists in Khartoum urban and periurban areas. These trees are found in two types: planted and natural forms. The survey recognized thirteen tree species that grow naturally in Khartoum urban and peri-urban areas which are known to be producers of valuable products. The study recommended development of comprehensive urban and community forestry programs that address urban tree health issues and implement long-term tree practices and strategies. All tree planting projects would include maintenance plans and use plant materials that meet the tree health. Define and agreed upon an authorized institute to carry the coordination of programmes and distribution of responsibilities between different institutions and organizations involved and interested in urban forestry development