Effects of the Economic and Environmental Factors on the Rural Water Use in Darfur Region, Sudan

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of water use a drought-inflicted region of Darfur. Economic development in this area is constrained due to the occurrence of intermittent droughts, desertification and water scarcity. Therefore, we attempted to develop an analytical framework for assessing alternative economic development scenarios in the village and to advance policy measures for a sustainable economy without endangering the environment. The paper introduced the problem of study, outlined the aims and objectives, and discussed the conceptual framework. The problem was analyzed in context of sustainable agriculture and economic development, identified broad strategies toward solving it, and indicated the need for an analytical approach. The case study was the village of Kutum. Basic data on water use and commodity production were generated. An analytical model, a product-by-industry economic-ecological model was developed. It is an environmental extension of the input-output model and useful for determining direct and total direct and indirect input requirements. Because it does not include human responses, an indigenous knowledge systems and technology local initiatives is preferred. The established scenarios were simulated using the model to determine the impacts associated with each development approach. The findings are expected to be applicable not only to the village but to the rest of the region