Guidelines for growing aloes: A guide for farmers and extension officers

Abstract

Aloe is a genus containing about 400 species of flowering succulent plants. Many species of aloe are seemingly stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level; other varieties may have a branched or unbranched stem from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from grey to bright green and are sometimes striped or mottled. A few aloe species are used traditionally as herbal medicine. This includes Aloe perryi (found in northeastern Africa) and Aloe ferox (found in South Africa). But the one that tops the list of popularity is Aloe vera. In the Middle Ages, the yellowish liquid (sap) found inside the leaves was favoured as a purgative. Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. In Kenya aloe harvesting in the indigenous aloes (A. secundflora varieties, A. turkanensis, A. scabrifolia among others) has supported the livelihood of thousands of people in many dry parts of Kenya mainly through trade in aloe sap. These areas include: West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, Wajir, Moyale, Garissa, Taita-Taveta, Kwale and Kilifi Districts. Incidentally these areas have a high poverty index in the country. Promotion of sustainable management and utilization of aloe species will have positive impacts on livelihoods of communities in the affected regions. Trade in aloe products is controlled under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species (CITES). Under Appendix II of this Convention, aloe products being traded should be processed from certified sources such as established plantations or certified Aloe Management Units (AMU). Currently most of the Kenyan aloe sap is harvested from uncertified wild sources. Consequently there is unsustainable harvesting. However, in 2007 guidelines on certification of aloe sources were gazetted. Establishment of aloe plantations and certification will streamline production and marketing of Kenyan aloe products. This will improve returns in aloe market value chain from producers, processors to consumers. There is limited information on establishment and management of aloes in Kenya. This guideline is therefore expected to help farmers and extension service providers growing aloes.