Production of Browse Trees/Shrubs under Climate Change Conditions in the Butana Rangelands of Sudan

The study was conducted in the Butana region of Sudan to assess the impact of climate change on the browse trees/shrubs cover and production in the Butana rangelands. Five meteorological stations surrounding Butana were selected to represent the region’s climate. Simple regression analysis was used to analyze the trend of climate variables (rainfall, temperature). The direct count method was used to measure browse production and a social survey was also conducted to assess farmers’ perceptions on climate change. Rainfall for all meteorological stations showed a decrease in monthly and annual rainfall during 1961-2013. Annual temperature analysis indicated a noticeable increase in maximum and minimum rates at all meteorological stations since 1985. All interviewees agreed that trees/shrubs cover had decreased compared to the past. Significant differences (P< 0.05) were found in browse production between the sites during the dry (no rainfall) season. The average browse production of three sites was 310, 236, and 297 kg/ha for the wet season and 247, 95, and 85 kg/ha in the dry season for El-Idaidat, El-Bahoogi, and Wad- Shamoon sites, respectively. The variation in browse production between sites was linked with tree density/ha, which was directly affected by decreasing in rainfall and increased temperatures. Seed banks in Ewerdaidat were 4 seeds/m2 while 3 seeds/m2 were found at El-Bahoogi. The study concluded that there was a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature during the last decade in the Butana, reflected negatively on trees/shrubs cover and its browse productivity.