Commodity Chain of Frankincense from the Dry Woodlands of Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

Frankincense is one of the major commercial NTFPs in the Sudan produced by tapping the bark of Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst trees. It is one of the major NTFPs of the Sudan traded locally and internationally. The aims of the present study include: (1) to identify the chain actors and their functions (2) to estimate benefit distribution and value added along the chain; and (3) to determine the mechanisms by which actors control and maintain access to benefits. The study was conducted in the Rashad locality, South Kordofan state, Sudan in 2008/2009. A combination of Rapid Rural Appraisal tools including key informant interview, in-depth semi-structured interviews, group discussion and direct observations were used for primary data collection. Eight major actors involved in the value chain were identified and their activities and characteristics examined. The average annual net income of tapper, producer, village trader, and urban merchant was estimated to be 74, 740, 1,300, and 11,230 USD, respectively. The results clearly demonstrate the upward skewed benefit distribution among the value chain actors. The total relative commercialization margin was 62.5% indicating that the actors involved in marketing of the product accrued higher proportion of the end market price. While those involved in the production activities, tappers and producers, receive less income counting about 37.5% of the end market price. The results also illustrate that there is limited value added processing in the commodity chain. Commercial benefits in the commodity chain are gained, maintained and controlled through different mechanisms. The study concludes that frankincense production and marketing is financially profitable for producers, village traders and urban merchants. However, frankincense tappers and producers receive less income. Technical, financial, and institutional support could result in an increase in local actors’ income and contribute to sustainability of the supply of the product.