Tropentag, September 10 - 12, 2025, Bonn "Reconciling land system changes with planetary health"

Sustainable resource management: Insights from Ziziphus spina-christi in Sudan

¹ University of Göttingen, Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Germany
²Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Abstract

The increasing recognition that forests offer multiple benefits to mankind while playing a crucial role in conserving the environment has sparked global concern for their protection and preservation. However, when these resources are not managed sustainably or equitably, they contribute to environmental degradation. In this context, Mapping and assessment of forest and identify their services becomes an essential tool for various management and planning activities at the landscape level. The present study, focus on Ziziphus spina-christi, a tree species harvested in Sudan's Nuba Mountains, which grows naturally without apparent management intervention. Moreover, there is a notable lack of information and research regarding the location of these trees and their significance. Using the Nuba Mountains as a case study, satellite data from RapidEye was utilised to create a tree species distribution map. To identify the contribution of this tree for the local community, a semi-structured interview process was conducted involving household heads, with a sample size of 200 participants. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) techniques such as free listing and key informant interviews were applied as well. For data processing, classifiers like K-Nearest Neighbour and knowledge-based models were employed, integrating features such as vegetation indices, DEM, thematic layers, and meteorological information. Meanwhile, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse socio-economic data. The findings illustrate that Ziziphus spina-christi serves as a vital tree species, providing diverse benefits to rural communities. It enhances their resilience and adaptability to environmental challenges and crises for sustainable poverty reduction. Furthermore, the study successfully offers updated information on the locations of these trees, aiding strategy formulation and the development of targeted interventions.

Keywords: Forest monitoring, poverty alleviation, remote sensing, Ziziphus spina-christi

Contact Address: Taisser Hassan Hamadelnile Deafalla, University of Göttingen, Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Wilhelm busch str. 1, 38448 Wolfsburg, Germany, e-mail: taisserhassangmail.com