SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF GUM AND RESIN RESOURCES IN THE DRY WOODLANDS OF BORANA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Drylands of Borana Zone, southern Ethiopia, are endowed with different woody species that produce commercial gums and resins, which support the Livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the role of gum and resin production and marketing in the livelihoods of the pastoral and agro-pastoral communities; (ii) identify major challenges and constraints that hinder sustainable production; (iii) analyze the existing opportunities related to future gum and resin production and commercialization; and (iv) understand the perception of the local communities and the overall future prospects of sustainable gum and resin development, production and commercialization. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 80 households, randomly selected from two representative Districts (Arero and Yabello) in the Borana Zone. Group disscussions were also held with 12 key informants. Additional information was also collected from District and Zonal officials, local merchants and enterprises engaged in businesses involving gums and resins. The results revealed that the pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Borana Zone have intimate attachments with the woody species that provide gums and resins, and that collection and marketing of gums and resins are among the three major sources of livelihoods of local communities, along with livestock and crop production. The average annual household income generated from the sale of gums and resins was estimated at about 2,674 and 2,403 Ethiopian Birr (about 311.00 and 279.00 USD) at Arero and Yabello, respectively. Collection and sale of gums and resins represented the sole source of income for the disadvantaged groups in the local communities, i.e. women, school children and poor households with neither livestock nor land resources. The majority of respondents identified the income generated from the sale of gums and resins as a safety-net safeguarding the communities during recurrent drought periods. Gums and resins are also sources of food, chewing gum, traditional medicine, fodder, traditional soap, insect repellents, fragrance for smoking houses and other cultural practices. Several challenges and constraints are discussed, which affect the sustainable use of the vast woodlands for enhanced livelihoods and reduced household vulnerability in Borana.