Modification of Microclimate and Associated Food Crop Productivity in an Alley-cropping System in Northern Sudan

Abstract

The northern region of Sudan consists of desert and semidesert prone to low rainfall, poor agricultural productivity and desertification, resulting in a continual decline in the area of cultivated land. The prevailing harsh conditions in the region (high solar radiation and temperature and low relative humidity), particularly during the summer season, prevent cropping during this period. This situation necessitates the development of intensive plantations of woody trees, which could provide a variety of economic and environmental benefits for farmers and communities. However, the high cost of irrigation water and a lack of short-term returns to the farmer until the trees become economically valuable are obstacles to the development of afforestation programs in the area. On the other hand, agroforestry, which integrates crops and/or livestock with trees and shrubs, has a great potential in the area as it could provide farmers with multiple benefits, including diversified income sources, increased biological production and better water quality.