Local Government and Natural Resources in the Sudan: The Case of Lagawa Rural Council

Resource management, protection and promotion are very critical issues facing many parts of our rapidly changing world. In most developing countries, such issues are handled by both central and local governments, but quite often specialised government agencies are entrusted with these jobs. In Sudan, and since 1971, local government has become more involved than ever with the issue of natural resources. This research assesses the performance of a single local government unit in Western Sudan with regard to the above mentioned issues. Out of the multiplicity of resources in the council, only natural grazing is selected for the focus of this assessment study, because of its high significance in the local socio-economic set-up. A lengthy field-study was carried out to determine the resource situation and how it affects policy and control and promotion measures. This council has failed; a situation typical of most rural councils in Sudan. Worst of all, the natural grazing is deteriorating rapidly under stocking rates which exceed the carrying capacity by 49%, a fact that has already enhanced desertification.This research is partially sponsored by the UNU.