SYNTHESIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT IN GUMS AND RESINS SUB-SECTOR IN KENYA

Abstract

Gums and resins of commercial value in Kenya include: gum arabic; myrrh; hagar; and frankincense. This paper synthesizes what has been done and achievements made in the sub-sector since 1988 as well as future prospects. The aim was to inform private and public institutions interested in the gums and resins and policy makers. The key achievements in this sub-sector included taxonomic, ecological and chemical characterization of gums and resins, characterization of soil physico-chemical properties, establishment of genetic diversity and population structure of Acacia senegal and piloting of plantation development of A. senegal. Other achievements were in resource assessment and mapping, market chain analysis, capacity building of stakeholders and feasibility studies on the potential for commercialization of the processing of the products. The potential annual production is 16,291 t and 10,134 t for gum Arabic and resins, respectively, with main markets in Europe (gum Arabic) and Asia (gum resins). Kenya’s exports are about 59 t and 2446 t for gum Arabic and resins, respectively. Incapacity to bulk enough quantities mainly collected from the wild and lack of reliable suppliers humber export. The government prepared the gums and resins regulations which was awaiting gazettement at the time of this review. From the synthesis, it is concluded that the developments made in the sub-sector have not translated into volumes marketed. More efforts therefore are necessary to stimulate and enhance volumes collected and marketed.