Study of Some Socio Economic aspects of Boswellia papyrifera in Blue Nile State Sudan

Abstract

(Study of some socio – economic aspects of Boswellia papyrifera in Blue Nile State) This study is concerned with the analysis of some socio-economic aspects of Boswellia papyrifera in Blue Nile State. It is conducted in the period from 2012-2014. The research is an attempt to study the some socio- economic aspects of Boswellia papyrifera to achieve the following specific objectives: • To investigate the different processes regarding resin production • To identify the role of Boswellia papyrifera resin to the sustainable livelihood. • To clarify the marketing process and its chain.

The necessary data of the research was collected by different techniques and methods, started by documentary data collection from official records, field study reports, relevant studies of literature review, annual reports, scientific magazines for collecting secondary data followed by reconnaissance survey, questionnaire, interviews and finally individual or group discussions . The results indicated that there are so many constraints challenging Boswellia papyrifera stands and resin production in the study area. The results showed that the local communities of the study area practice illicit cutting of Boswellia papyrifera for either getting timber or fodder for cattle rather than producing resin. Local community lacks enough experience to produce resin. Majority of merchants and tapers are from outside the state and for this reason, the local community got a little economical and social benefits of resin from Boswellia papyrifera. Also the results indicated that there are many taxes and fees with high rate imposed locally on resin which affects directly merchants and tapers who are involved in producing and marketing of resin. Direct observations, personal communications, individual and group discussions indicated that there are no natural or new regeneration for Boswellia papyrifera stands in addition to the death of Boswellia papyrifera trees due to the wrong tapping done by unskilled local people.