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Desertification is considered as a major environmental problem affecting arid, semi-arid and dry sub humid areas of the world and causing substantial reduction in agricultural production and income of many farmers. The study was conducted to evaluate the socio-economic impact of desertification on rural livelihood in Abu gota, North West of Gezira State. A total of two hundred (200) respondents (farmers) were interviewed using purposive and random sampling techniques. The results of socio-economic characteristics of the respondents (farmers) are presented in Table 1. On the causes of desertification, the respondents (60%) indicated that the main causes of desertification were human activities, 25% due to changes in the climate, while 15% of the respondents are ignorant of causes., 50% of the respondents indicated that there was reductions in the amount of rainfall received each year, 35% pointed out that there was increase in temperature, and 15% maintained that they noticed drying of water. There was a diverse response concerning the impact of desertification on farmer’s agricultural activities. 45% of the respondents pointed out that they recorded poor harvest as result of desertification in the previous years, 30% maintained that they notice an increase in wind erosion, 15% showed that the situation was tending towards a decrease in the availability of pasture for livestock, while 10% revealed that there was a drastic reduction in soil fertility as observed on their farmlands. The results of this study shows that majority of the farmers in the study area are aware about the causes, effects and impact of desertification as it’s seriously affects their agricultural productions in negative ways. At the same time, 55% of the respondents indicated that forestation is one of the best strategies for combating desertification, 35% believed that the practice of proper irrigation will be a good strategy, while 10% maintained that establishment and maintenance of shelter belts will reduce the impact of desertification in the study area. An important issue is how to support the rural poor to use the soils, the biota and other natural resources without destroying those resources, and without affecting the climate adversely.
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