Local Knowledge on Trees Utilization and Their Existing Threats in Rashad District of Nuba Mountains, Sudan

Rural people of Sudan are endowed with a deep knowledge concerning the utilization of different tree species. However research on the local knowledge related to tree species utilization still lacks adequate attention. The study objectives were to identify the existing local knowledge related to the utilization of the tree species and the existing threats to the availability of the trees. A total of 300 respondents were selected randomly from Rashad district in Nuba Mountains in 2011. Semi-structured interview, direct observation, group discussion, preference ranking and direct matrix ranking were used to collect the data. The study results revealed that people of Nuba Mountains utilize different tree species for food, medicinal purposes, fodder, firewood, construction and cultural ceremonies. The study results also indicated that the availability of trees is negatively influenced by firewood collection, agricultural expansion, drought, overgrazing and charcoal production. The study concluded that local knowledge has crucial role in tree species utilization in Nuba Mountains. Further researches to document and substantiate the local knowledge on useful tree species are highly recommended.