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ABDELATEIF HASSAN IBRAHIM
Sudan University of Science and Technology, Dept. of Agric-Economics, Sudan
Despite the proper role of agro-silvo-pastoral system (ASPS) in enhancing ecological services as well as soil conservation, the contribution of the system to the household income and livelihood in Sudan is still relatively limited. This study aimed to determine the income generated by the best land use alternative mix of farm activities in an agro"=silvo-pastoral system. It is focused on the profitability of trees mainly Acacia senegal and other non"=timber forest products with comparative benefits of important crops and animals in the area. The data were derived from a field survey that was carried out in 2014 in three localities in North Kordofan, namely Wad Banda, Elkhawei and En-Nuhud), Central"=West Sudan. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 250 farm households. A cluster random sampling technique was used for the selection of sampling. Subsequently, focus group discussions with key informants in the village communities were also conducted. Partial budget and benefit cost analysis were used to analyse the data. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the effects of some assumptions concerning an increase in tree product establishment costs and reduction in tree product prices. The results showed that within the three study zones livestock activities dominated and acquired higher net revenue in comparison to other components of the agro"=silvo-pastoral system (ASPS). Regarding the comparison between the zones, the results revealed that ASPS is the dominating production system in En-Nuhud. ASPS recorded a high net revenue in all three zones. Wad Banda showed the highest income from tree products, Elkhawei recorded higher net revenue in livestock and En-Nuhud revealed that crop production remunerated most. Following the application of sensitivity analysis the result showed relatively high net revenue under the assumption (5%, 20% and 40%) increase and decrease of tree product costs that could be incentives for people to invest in such activities. Based on the findings, the study suggests that in order to improve the agro"=silvo-pastoral system, government should help to formulate a supportive policy that enhance alternative ``land use mixes'' for sustainable agro"=silvo-pastoral systems.
Keywords: Agro-silvo-pastoral, household, livelihood, partial budget, profitability
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