Role of Adansonia digitata L. Fruits in Development and Forest Conservation in Rashad Locality, Nuba Mountains, Sudan

Abstract

The objectives of this work were (i) to investigate the
contribution of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L., known locally as
"tebeldi") fruits extraction in rural household’s income and tree species
conservation and (ii) to identify and analyze the determinants of income
generation from A. digitata fruits extraction. Five villages were selected
in Rashad Locality, South Kordofan State, based on proximity gradient to
the resource. A sample of 276 households was taken from the selected
villages, using a stratified sampling technique. Both quantitative and
qualitative data were collected in 2009, using participatory rural appraisal
tools. The results indicated that the household’s annual average income
from the A. digitata fruit sale was 44% of the total household income,
aggregated across wealth categories. The results also showed that wealth,
proximity to the resource and other household characteristics affected the
income generation from A. digitata fruit sale. It was concluded that the A.
digitata fruits extraction plays a key role in improving the livelihood of
the rural households and conserving the tree species. Rural development
and future conservation interventions should pay attention to the role of A.
digitata fruits extraction in rural economic development and
environmental sustainability