Tropentag, September 17 - 19, 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic "Bridging the gap between increasing knowledge and decreasing resources"

Acacia seyal var. seyal: A Multipurpose Tree Species for Rural Development, Hunger and Poverty Alleviation in Sudan

¹University of Khartoum, Dept. of Forest Products and Industries, Sudan
²Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Forest Utilisation and Forest Technology, Germany

Abstract

Acacia seyal var. seyal is considered as one of the most widely distributed tree species in Sudan; nevertheless rural populations are not benefiting much from its wood. Acacia seyal's uses concentrate in charcoal, firewood and fuel wood due to the lack of information on its wood properties. Despite the richness of Sudan in most of basic factors required to establish forest based industries it still depend almost entirely on imports to satisfy its needs for pulp and paper, fiberboard,. . .etc . There is an urgent need to evaluate the available locally raw materials as potential sources for forest based industries. This would not only reduce imports, but it would also promote rural development, alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods of local communities.
The present study was carried out to investigate the wood properties of Acacia seyal var. seyal and assess its suitability for pulp, paper and flooring industries. Wood materials were collected from different zones in Sudan and anatomical, mechanical and physical properties investigated. The results indicated the suitability of the investigated tree species for pulp, paper and flooring industries. As Acacia seyal var. seyal is widely distributed it can easily be propagated on large areas in Sudan. This could enhance the establishment of wood industry in rural areas and enhance rural development.

Keywords: Acacia seyal var. seyal, forests based industries, rural development

Contact Address: Hanadi Mohamed Shawgi Gamal, University of Khartoum, Dept. of Forest Products and Industries, Khartoum, Sudan, e-mail: hanadishawgi1979yahoo.com