Social Forestry Stakeholders in the Sudan: Case from Gedaref State

During previous years, numerous efforts had been adopted for stakeholders' involvement in forest resources management in the Gedaref State and elsewhere. However, these initiatives were not evaluated. With this background, this study investigates the stakeholders concerning forest resources management in Gedaref State. The overall objective of this study is to look into the various stakeholders, their rights, perceptions and attitudes in order look into possibilities of enhancing their participation in development and management of forest resources. For data collection, a combination of methodological instruments such as reconnaissance survey, structured and semi-structured interviews, snowball sampling techniques, group discussion, observation, literature, archive were used. The study revealed that the multiple benefits and services provided by forest resources had attracted a variety of stakeholders' categories. However, local people groups and Forest National Corporation were identified as the principal stakeholders. Moreover, stakeholders' involvement initiatives motivated them to develop positive perceptions and attitudes towards forest resources and tree planting. Furthermore, the study revealed that the stakeholders practiced the right to grazing, fuelwood and building materials.