Revisiting development potential of riverain sunt ( Acacia nilotica ) forest reserves — A case study in Sinnar State, Sudan

The present study is an attempt to find a solution for the forest management conflicts existing between local people and the central authoritarian forest services in Sinnar State, Sudan. Sinnar was purposely selected as a study area because 9% (496.4 × 103 ha) of the forest reserve area of the entire country is located in this state. A comprehensive survey consisting of field observations, questionnaires and interviews was carried out specifically in the Alsabonabi area for its heterogeneous local community. The results show that the existing management system of the sunt forest reserve (the Alumbwa forest) has failed to support the local people, both residents and semi-nomads. Hence, the present study proposes a series of strategic and organizational changes in order to help in showing the way for integrated and participatory forest resource management and improving the welfare of all impoverished rural communities.