Pastoralists and Agropatoralists Adaptation to Climate Change at Zallingei, Locality Central Darfur State, Sudan

Adaptive mechanisms of communities to cope with climate changes was studied in Zallingei, Central Darfur State. Samples of population in three selected areas (Teraj, Orukom and Abatta) were estimated according to villages family size. The study utilized primary data (questionnaire, field visits, open key informants discussion). SPSS was used for categorical analysis and multivariate correlation was carried out using R software. Chi- square was used for the correlations among natural resources and community perceptions. The results showed that respondents’ perception (pastoralists and agropastoralists) of climate change impacts were conceived by most (77%) of the respondents for the last 40 years as increase in temperature and fluctuation in rainfall. Media was shown to be the source of information for 66%. For the historical situation of rangeland, most (69.3%) rated as dense, while some (24.3%) as medium. For the current changes were related to climate variability as confirmed by 73% but 40% related changes to degradation, whereas 16% related it to land degradation. The majority (85%) believed that palatable species had disappeared. Correlation analysis between the main sources of grazing and disappearance of pasture plants was significantly (P ≤ 0.001). Availability of the pasture was not enough as expressed by most (88.3%) of the respondents. Impacts on animal production were related mostly to rainfall (92%) and temperature (60%), wind seemed to have no effect. Incidents of fire were highly (66%) recognized. Various mechanisms were adopted by pastoralists to adapt to climate variability. Migration to neighboring countries in search of pasture and forage (53%). 82.3% used trees as animal feed, 52% would sell their animals or change herd structure and composition (32%). Income generating activities was presented in charcoal making (42%), trading (31%), and as labor in cities (10%). Some of the herders would convert to agriculture activities (11%) or mining (3%), others who converted to agricultural activities included free lancers (26%), gold miners (4%) and animal breeders (2%). Women participation in dairy processing as income generating activities was cited by many participants (69%). It could be concluded that adaptive strategies adopted by farmers might not be enough to best cope with climate variability, some recommendations are provided to improve rangeland condition and animal performance.