Livestock and irrigated and rainfed crop production make up most of Sudan’s agricultural GDP. Sudan
is highly dependent on Nile waters flowing from upstream countries and on rainfed cropping and
grazing within the country. This region has experienced high human and livestock population growth
rates, increased cropping and widespread deforestation. This study addresses livestock water
productivity (LWP) in the central belt of Sudan. In most of the belt there is a severe drinking water
shortage for both animals and people. Livestock also suffer from feed shortages. The research
suggests that LWP is low near watering points, because high animal concentration has degraded the
nearby pastures. LWP is also low far from watering points because lack of water prevents animals
from accessing otherwise available feed. The study concludes that improved natural resources
legislation, institutional arrangements, marketing of livetock products, and veterinary care, combined
with efforts to optimally expand watering sites while limiting animal densities near them, can help
increase LWP in an environmentally sustainable manner.