Introduction of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis) to stop sand movement and provide alternative livestock feed source in Nahr an Nil State.

Overall objective of action

This action attempts to utilize untapped feed sources such as cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis) to stop sand movement and provide alternative livestock feed source in Nahr an Nil State .

 

Target groups

Small livestock holders in rural and suburban areas of Nahr an state.

 

Final beneficiaries

1. Small livestock holders in Nahr an Nil.

2. Forestry department in Nahr an Nil state.

3. Pasture and Forage department in Nahr an Nil state.

4. Bodies concerned with desertification and environmental safety in Nahr an Nil state.

5. Veterinary authority in Nahr an Nil state.

 

Relevance of the action

Livestock keeping is a common means of generating income and securing food to families in Nahr an Nil state. However, it is challenged by acute shortages in feed supplies because of the state has poor natural grazing base as lies in a desert area with less than ? mm of annual rainfall .Thee state main agricultural land, which is the sole supplier of livestock feed, lies along the banks of the River Nile and is subjected to considerable reduction in size because of sand infringement. This action will grow cactus in areas that are continuously threatened by sand movement to stop sand movement and the same time provide untapped feed source (cactus parts ) for feeding livestock .Cactus fruit may be consumed by humans and may be sold to provide extra income to small livestock owners. in Nahr an Nil State.