# Impact of Climate Variation on Land Use Land Cover Change in Kassala State, Sudan

## TL;DR

This study explores how climate changes affect land use and land cover in Kassala State, Sudan, and suggests agroforestry solutions to reduce sandstorm impacts.

## Contribution

The study introduces agroforestry interventions using specific Acacia species to mitigate sandstorms and land degradation in the region.

## Key findings

- Forest cover decreased from 17.11% to 13.20% while bare land and shrubland expanded.
- Climatic fluctuations showed weak correlations with rainfall, temperature, and wind speed changes.
- Agroforestry systems using Acacia tortilis and Acacia raddiana are recommended to reduce sandstorm effects.

## Abstract

Change in global weather pattern has become a major concern because of their direct impact on land use and land cover (LULC). This study, conducted in Kassala State, Sudan, examines how climatic variability influences these changes. Additionally, the study is intended to find out the possible intervention to reduce the impact of wind and sandstorms in the area. Primary data were collected through interview, focus group discussion, direct observation, and analysis of satellite images. Landsat TM 5 (2002) and Landsat 8 OLI (2023) images were used for LULC mapping. Meteorological data were obtained from local weather stations, while social data were gathered through stakeholder interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel while satellite images were processed using supervised classification and change detection techniques in ERDAS and ArcMap. The result showed fluctuations in rainfall (R
2 = 0.04), an increase temperature (R
2 = 0.01), and higher wind speeds (R
2 = 0.02). Forest cover declined from 17.11% to 13.20%, while bare land and shrubland expanded. The study recommends agroforestry systems interventions including windbreak and shelterbelts using Acacia tortilis and Acacia raddiana to mitigate the effects of sandstorms and land degradation.