A prominent Sudanese expert, Abdul Moneim Al-Huweiris, has called for the implementation of vertical agricultural expansion to safeguard the country's forest cover. As a former advisor on comprehensive agricultural development and transformation at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Al-Huweiris emphasized the need to protect Sudan's forests from over-exploitation for fuel, construction, and other purposes. He made these remarks in an interview with Radio Dabanga.
Al-Huweiris recommended activating the Forest Act and incorporating new provisions to prevent the indiscriminate cutting of trees in Sudan's forests. Specifically, he suggested training young people in areas with forest cover to guard and protect them from encroachment, particularly in the Acacia tree belt. This initiative aims to preserve the country's natural resources and promote sustainable forest management.
The expert highlighted the importance of adopting vertical agricultural expansion to meet food demands without compromising the forest cover. He stressed that this approach requires research and studies to identify suitable technologies for increasing production without encroaching on forested areas. By adopting vertical farming, Sudan can ensure food security while preserving its natural resources.
Al-Huweiris also advocated for the promotion of household farming to guarantee food security. He suggested that households could utilize their available space by removing pavement and cultivating vegetables and other suitable crops. This approach would enable families to become self-sufficient in food production and reduce their reliance on external sources.
According to estimates, the increasing global demand for food to feed a growing population by 2050 may put around 240 million acres of forest under pressure from agricultural expansion. Sudan, with its rich forest resources, is not immune to this challenge. The country's forest cover is facing threats from various human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and fuelwood collection.
The loss of forest cover in Sudan has significant environmental and economic implications. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and supporting rural livelihoods. The degradation of these ecosystems can exacerbate climate change, soil erosion, and water scarcity, ultimately affecting the country's economic development and human well-being.
In conclusion, Al-Huweiris' call for vertical agricultural expansion and sustainable forest management is timely and crucial for Sudan's environmental and economic future. By adopting innovative agricultural practices and protecting its forest cover, Sudan can ensure food security, preserve its natural resources, and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- Expert calls for vertical agricultural expansion to protect Sudan's forest cover.
- Activation of Forest Act and training of youth in forest areas urged.
- Household farming promoted as a means to guarantee food security.
