The Directorate of Natural Resources in collaboration with Acacia EPZ and Self- Help Africa have launched a two- year project that aims to create jobs and improve the economic standards of communities in arid and semi-arid areas by unlocking gum Arabic potential.
Gum Arabic is the hardened sap of Acacia tree grown in Kenya. Gum arabic is heavily used in the food and beverage industry as a stabilizer or thickener.
The Afrifi challenge fund project seeks to improve the quality and quantity of gum Arabic harvesting in the Turkana county.
The project further aims at enhancing livelihoods by creating a value chain that brings together stakeholders.
Speaking during the opening of a workshop in Lodwar, Deputy director of Natural Resources Pauline Pusiye underscored the need for community sensitization to the success of the project.
“We will be offering technical expertise, coordination and assistance as well as work closely with the community forest associations in exploring the possibility of propagating and planting more acacia trees for future gum Arabic collection,” said Pusiye.
Participants cited lack of storage facilities, price inconsistency and information gaps as some of the challenges.
At least 30 gum Arabic collectors and traders from Turkana North, Turkana South and Loima sub counties attended the forum.
Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, Mercycorps were among the stakeholders involved in the project.
by Peter Gitonga
