Impact of local community utilization of natural forests on vegetation cover change: Case study of Noura Natural Forest, Sinnar State, Sudan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46325/afj.v10i1.208Keywords:
Benefits of natural forests, Local community needs, Forest resources, Change detection, NDVI, SudanAbstract
Nouara Natural Forest in Sudan is an important ecosystem supporting biodiversity and local community livelihoods. This study aims to assess the impact of local community utilization on vegetation cover changes, using social surveys and remote sensing analysis. Social data were analyzed using SPSS, while ArcMap used to evaluate vegetation cover changes over time. The results highlighted a heavy reliance on forest for the provision of firewood, building materials, and non-wood forest products. The results showed that illegal cutting, grazing, and lack of protection are the main drivers of forest degradation. NDVI results indicated a severe decline in high-density class, while low-density areas increasing to 30.8% of the total forest area. The study concluded that a widening imbalance between community resource extraction and sustainable management practices has led to significant forest deterioration. The study recommended adopting sustainable forest management practices to ensure balance between forest utilization and long-term health and productivity.
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