Some Socio-Economic Aspects of Boswellia papyrifera and resin production in Blue Nile State- Sudan

Transcription

1 JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) Some Socio-Economic Aspects of Boswellia papyrifera and resin production in Blue Nile State- Sudan Abel Mutalib Adam Abdalla-Forests National Corporation-Sudan, talab.adam@yahoo.com Dr. Mohamed Osman.M.Ibniouf-Sudan University Date Received 1//1 Date Accepted //1 Abstract This study is concerned with analysis of some socio economic aspects of Boswellia papyrifera and resin production in the Blue Nile State. It is done in the period from 1-1. The study aimed to identify the role of Boswellia papyrifera stands and its resin production to the sustainable livelihood, in addition to investigate the different processes regarding resin production. Necessary data of the research was obtained by using different methods. The secondary data was collected from field studies, relevant literatures, annual reports, and scientific publications. While the primary data was collected through reconnaissance survey, visits, individual and group discussions, meetings and using questionnaire. The results indicated that, there are many constraints challenging Boswellia papyrifera stands and resin production in the study area. The local communities practiced illicit cutting of Boswellia papyrifera for either getting timber or fodder for cattle rather than producing resin due to lack of understanding the importance of resin and the knowledge and skills of production. The majority of producers and merchants are from outside the state. The results indicated that there are no new or natural regenerations of Boswellia papyrifera stands in the study area. Also the results indicated that the most important uses of Boswellia papyrifera trees are resin production, timber production, medicine and green hedges. While the resin is widely used by the people as burning incense. For sustainable resources of resin, the results indicate that the vital activities required are an afforestation, protection and maintenance, extension, training and financial support. Index Terms. Boswellia, resin production, illicit cutting, Nonwood forest products. afforestation. I. INTRODUCTION Sudan is very large country covering an area of 188,, hectares out of which,1, hectares is the total area of Forests. Sudan characterized by varied climatic conditions associated with diverse ecological zones. [1] Boswellia papyrifera is a common savannah tree often occurs on rocky areas or hilly slopes. It is easily recognized by its papery bark or simply by its fragrance resinous bark []. Boswellia papyrifera is a deciduous tree up to 1 m height and cm in diameter, it is small to medium sized, Bole Straight,cylindrical, Bark is pale yellow Brown smooth papery, peeling off in very thin ranged papery patches soft, odor aromatic smelling, exuding whitish fragrant resin, the wood of Boswellia papyrifera is yellowish, white, fine grain, hard, it is suitable for wood industries such as match- boxes, splints, particle board, air conditioning, pencils, agricultural implements, plywood, picture frames, veneers and local uses. The Boswellia species have multiple uses ranging from poles and timber used in rural communities, leaves for fodder, flowers for nectar, bark and roots for traditional medicines, The species are also recommended for the rehabilitation of degraded lands in the arid and semi-arid lands. However, the most valued products in economic terms of some species are frankincense or gum-olibanum [][][] Boswellia papyrifera like some other species has multiple socio- economic and ecological benefits. In Africa it is found in Ethiopia, Chad, Eritrea, Cameron, Central Africa Republic, Sudan and Uganda [6], and widely known for its resin. Boswellia papyrifera at the present time reported to be in light conditions and need priority in conservation [7] population is degrading due to extensive farming, over grazing, fire, poor incense harvesting practices, shifting cultivation, [8] In Sudan Boswellia papyrifera covers large areas of hill catena s South latitude 1 N. According to [] Boswellia papyrifera found in the Blue Nile State (study area) Southern Kordofan and South, Central and West Darfur. According to [], the resin from Boswellia papyrifera has a diversity of uses in today s industries such as perfumes,

2 JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) nutrition and medical industries. [1] Pointed out some of these uses as: 1- Fresh resin chewed for strengthening the dissolved teeth and stimulating digestion. - Distilled in milk and taken for cough. - Distilled and extracted to yield essential oil and constable perfume prepared using these aromatic oils. - Social and religious uses, where the resin is burned in weddings and religious occasions it is said to keep away evil influences -Atallcum powder is prepared using resin and ammonium salts to perfumes and soften the skin. [11] stated that the information about the quantities, areas of production, producers, marketing and distributing chains of the NWFPs is rather scare, also they mentioned that though the enterprise has provided income to rural people, since ancient time, yet limited research has been done to quantify the products, despite the rich cover in the state. Despite the economic and ecological benefits of the species to the local communities, governments, and the entire subregions in general, very little concern has been undertaken to develop the resource. Lack of reliable information is one of the major constraints that are hampering the efficient and economical development and use. [1] [] Pointed that significant changes have taken place in the Boswellia papyrifera stands, due to the negative impacts of the current mode of utilization by the different stakeholders and the natural factors such as improper tapping, uncontrolled grazing, illicit felling, agricultural encroachment, fires, drought, winds and diseases with a consequent deterioration of these stands. The information regarding Boswellia papyrifera and its role in socio-economic and ecological aspect to local communities of the Blue Nile is unknown. Boswellia papyrifera requires rehabilitation programme, the role of these products to the sustainable livelihood is not identified, for these reasons, the research is devoted to highlight the role and aspects locally affect resin production in the livelihood of the local communities. The specific objectives were: 1. To identify the role of Boswellia papyrifera stands and its resin to the sustainable livelihood.. To investigate the different processes regarding resin production.. To clarify the marketing processes and its chain. were held in order to obtain necessary information which is very important for the questionnaire design.. Secondary data collection method: The secondary data (documentary data) was collected through official records, relevant studies of literature from local, national, regional and international sources.. Questionnaire method: The questionnaire was designed in collaboration with the staff of forests authority in the State, tested and approved by expert.. Interviews: Direct interviews were conducted; face to face interviews were carried out. The community targeted is an open one which consists of a number of individuals. From the pilot survey the answers of the questions seem to be recurring, the researcher chose 1 respondents selected to be questioned p e r c e n t a g e 1 III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS over 7 Ages Fig(.1)Ages of respondents Fig (1) Shows that the greater part of the respondents is within the classes (-) and (-6) and 8 respectively. This result indicates that the population is in the productivity age, and this will support the production of resin and protection of the resource. 8 1 II. MATERIAL AND METHOD Data collection: The secondary and primary data was collected using different methods: reconnaissance survey, observations, desk work, questionnaire and interviews 1. Reconnaissance survey: Several visits to the site were carried out with support from Forests National Corporation' staff in the Blue Nile State. Many village leaders in the study area and other influential persons have been met. Groups and individual discussions

3 Percentage Percentage percenage percenage JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) Males Females Married Single sex and social status Fig () sex and social status of the respondents The respondents in fig () are composed of males and only females. The social status of the respondents appears to be 1 are married and are single (bachelor). This will encourage the field operations of the gum production which are a male business. 1 1 Officials Gum Traders producers and Farmers Occupation Fig () Occupation of the respondents Resin gum producers Fig () The occupations of the respondents in fig () are divided into four categories, the first one are the farmers and gum collectors who work as farmers in the rainy seasons and collect gum during the gum production seasons 6, The second category is the officials who represent, and the third category is resin producers (professional producers) who only tap and collect resin form 16, the fourth category is the traders who form.the first group are the majority which indicates the importance of gum production as attractive business and the practicing of gum production is done during the off-season, which will not obstruct the crop production Eductional level Fig () Educational level of the respondents Fig () indicated that most of the respondents are completing high level of education 8 of the respondents are of university level, also the same percentage (8) of the respondents are of high secondary school level, while 7 of the respondents are of basic school level of education, and those who are from Khalwa (religious school) education level are 1 and finally, the illiteracy level represents only.this will indicate that they are equipped to obtain training and extension programmes to increase and improve the production of resin, Uses of Bowellia papyrifera Fig () Boswellia papyrifera uses and its benefits in the study area Fig () Indicated that the opinions of the majority of the respondents about the uses and benefits of Boswellia papyrifera trees are; resin production followed by timber products, medicine manufacture and green hedge. While the other uses and benefits are insignificant. This finding is compatible with [], [] and []

4 percentage Percent age JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) 1 1 The important uses of Boswellia papyrifera tree are resin production, wood products, traditional medicine livestock fodder, honey production, environmental role and employment generation burning incense Medicine Food Perfumes Kassala El Port Gadarif Sudan Aeras Ethiopia Purposes and Uses Fig (6) purposes and uses of resin Fig (6) indicates clearly the knowledge of the respondents about the uses and purposes of the resin, all of the respondents mentioned that the resin is used in burning incense, and a considerable percentage used it as medicine. While the uses of resin in food and perfumes are insignificant. This result is in agreement with [6] and [7]. Who stated that Boswellia papyrifera like some other species has multiple socioeconomic and ecological benefits Tables (1) Channels where the economical return of Boswellia papyrifera trees and its resin goes Channels of economical return Producers Traders(merchants) Local people Number 11 7 Percent age 78 8 Table (1) shows that the economic return of Boswellia papyrifera trees and its resin goes to the traders and producers Fig (7) Percentage of experienced producers from different areas outside the study area. Fig (7) shows the answers of the respondents about areas of experienced producers and according to their answers, it is clear that they come from four areas as follows:- 1 of the respondents mentioned that are from Kassala and 78 of them mentioned that they are from El Gadarif; also the same percentage 78 mentioned that they come from Port- Sudan and finally of the respondent said that they are from Ethiopia. This is a good opportunity for the local people to benefit from the experience of these professional producers, and thus will assist them to participate in resin production. but the local people got less economic return because the traders and producers are coming from the outside of the area and they have experience for resin production. This indicates the lack of awareness amongst the local community about the economical and marketing value of the resin

5 JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) 6 Table () Proposals for sustainable resin production Proposals for sust. resin production A forestation programs Protection and maintenance Extension activities Training programs Financial support Sustainable management Establishing resin production association Opening local market Community ownership Security Research Encouraging producers Enforce Forests law No response Number Percent age Table () explains the suggestions of the respondents for the sustainability of resin resources. An afforestation programs got high percentage followed by protection and maintenance, extension, training, and financial support, while the other proposals got insignificant percentage. The current utilization of Boswellia papyrifera stands by the different direct and indirect users, characterized by conflicting interests, for that reason there is an urgent need for developing a plan for proper management and improvement of Boswellia papyrifera stands and to bring to an end the ongoing deterioration of Boswellia papyrifera trees so as to secure the sustainability of resin resources. The result is in conformity with [] who confirmed the sustainable management of the tree species through drawing sound management plan. Table () Opinions of respondents about local fees and taxes The Opinions High and expensive Many. Some should be eliminated Some should be reduced Increase production cost Reduce production quantity Reduce profits Reduce resin importance to the local people Should be revised Increase prices Taxes without services No impacts No response Number Percent age Table () shows the opinions of respondents about fees, taxes and royalties imposed locally on resin production and movement. The majority of the respondents mentioned that, these taxes are high and expensive, followed by many, some should be eliminated, some should be reduced, increase production cost and reduced production quantity. While the other points got insignificant percentage of the respondents. This will negatively have an effect on the resin production and thus the producers will shift to another activity.

6 JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) 7 Table () shows the degree of performance of resin operations percentage according to the respondent s opinions: No Operations Perfect Imperfect 1 Tapping Collection Transportation 8 1 Sorting 8 Classification Storing 1 Table () shows that tapping and collection are carried out close to appropriate, while other were done incorrectly. The reasons behind this are the lack of experience and training. Traditionally Done in Khartoum No response haphazard Total For these reasons training and extension are very important for all chains of resin operations. Table () shows improvement of the performance of resin operations according to respondent s suggestions N Improving performance Tapping Collection Transportation Sorting Classification o 1 Training Extension New equipment Expertise s producers 6 Finance 7 Transporting safety measures 11 8 Tarmac roads Research 1 Building standard stores 11 No problem 1 Modern techniques 1 No response Total Storing Table () shows that the majority of respondent s suggest that training is very important for resin production operations especially for tapping, collection, sorting and classification. This suggestion indicate the importance of training for resin production followed by extension, introducing professional producers, financial support, building standard stores, transporting safety measures, providing new equipment for tapping and collection. Also some respondents suggest introducing modern techniques. [8] Stated that information s about the quantities, values, areas of production, producers marketing and distributing chains of the non-wood forest products (NWFPs) is rather scarce and resin is one of the most important commodity which belongs to non-wood forest products (NWFPs). Yet limited researches have investigated the economic and social role of Boswellia papyrifera stands and resin production. IV. CONCLUSION The Boswellia papyrifera is subjected to a unremitting exploitation without rehabilitation programs to secure sustainable resin production instead of cutting for getting timber or fodder. The Boswellia papyrifera in the Blue Nile State covers large areas, and so proper and adequate sustainable management of the species is needed. The present utilization of the Boswellia papyrifera stands by the different users (particularly cutting for getting timber, grazing, and crops cultivation, is due to lack of awareness and ignorance of technical operations for resin production. Also the findings showed that the Boswellia papyrifera have good economical return only for merchants. They get benefits and return more than others, followed by the producers. The majority of merchants and producers are from outside the State, whereas the local people are not benefited from resin production. For this reason, extension, training and improved equipment are highly required to allow local people to move on in this business to improve their standard of living. The resin production operations were done incorrectly while few operations carried out close to appropriate, due to lack of training and experience. The resin is produced locally and then transported to Khartoum to be sold there. It s recommended that (Forests National Corporation) (FNC) together with Non -Governmental organizations (NGOs) related to the same field and

7 JOUR. OF NAT. RESOUR. & ENVIRON. STU.,. 1, -8, () 1 ISSN (Print): ISSN -1 (Online) 8 communities should direct efforts to overcome these problems (Providing training, extension activities and raising awareness of local communities). And design proper sustainable management for Boswellia papyrifera. It s recommended that collaboration, coordination and cooperation take place in order to protect and rehabilitate the Boswellia papyrifera stand in the study area. The Blue Nile State Government at the localities level and state level should take care and help the local communities to participate in resin production through decreasing the taxes and fees imposed locally so as to attract investments on Boswellia papyrifera stands and resin production, to realize economical and social return from Boswellia papyrifera. V. REFERNCES [1] FNC.FAO (1) Forest resources assessment [] Thirakull, F (18) Manual of dendrology, Canadian international Development Agency (CIDA) Forest inventory and market demand survey project, Bahr el Ghazal and Central regions, democratic republic of Sudan. In Eritrea.tropical resource management paper No:, Wageningen University research center, Waegeningen. Silviculture and Forest ecology group. [] Ali- A.H () Yield of Gum Olibanum (Boswellia papyrifera) (Del.) Hochst) In Relation to Methods of Tapping in South Kordofan. [1] MEMBERS (1) Ancient Frankincense" Adventure with Frankincense. (Accessed 1 August 1). [11] Suleiman, M.S. and Eldoma. A.M.A (1). Use and marketing of Non Wood Forest Products (Excluding the Gum Arabic). Forestry Development in the Sudan, consultancy report Forests national corporation ministry of agriculture animal Wealth and Natural Resources FAO. [1] FAO () Review and Synthesis on the state of knowledge of Boswellia species and commercialization of frankincense in the dry lands of Eastern Africa, Rome, Italy [- FAO and FNC. (16)National Forest inventory) Darfur region. Khartoum. Sudan. [] Khamis, M.A.(8) Assessing the potential of Boswellia Papyrifera Status for sustainable management in Southern Kordofan state thesis submitted for the requirement of the degree of Direct of philosophy (PhD) [] Chikamai B. N. () Review and Synthesis on the state of knowledge of Boswellia species and commercialization of from Frankincense in the dry lands of Eastern Africa - Rome [6] Vollesn, K: (18) Burseraceae in Flora of Ethiopia Volume Hedberg. I, and Edwards. S (weds)) Addis Ababa and Asmara, Ethiopia PP [7] Marshall. N. (18) searching for a cure: conservation of medicinal wild life resources in East and Southern Africa ATRAFFIC species endangered report, September (18) Nairobi, Kenya, [8] Ogbazghi w, (1): the distribution and regeneration of Boswellia papyrifera (Del). Hochst.