Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to analyze the floristic composition (diversity, density,
abundance, population structures, and regeneration status) and socio-economic
importance (mainly the local value in the livelihood of the pastoral and agropastoral
community) of gum and resin producing woody species in Fiq district of Somali Regional
State (SRS), eastern Ethiopia. The region supports the country's most extensive dry forests,
prevailed by diverse, high-value tree and shrub species, including those that produce
incense, myrrh, opoponax, and gum arabic. A total of 81 (9 village x 9 quadrats/village)
quadrats of 20mx20m (400 m2
) were established along 27 parallel transect lines to collect
vegetation data. In each quadrat, vegetation parameters such as identity, diameter at
breast height (DBH), height, and abundance were collected and at the same time counting
of seedlings and saplings were made. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess
socio-economic importance of gum and resin species. In addition, 8 key informants, 2 from
each kebele and two with local administrators were invited for group discussion. The
results indicate that twenty-five woody species, representing nine families and 12 genera
were recorded, among which 11 species were sources of commercial gum and resins. Gum
and resin-bearing species comprised 44% of species composition, 62.6% of total density
ha-1
, 60% of important values index. Regeneration and diameter class distribution of the
study species showed clear signs of healthy populations, except for a small number of
species, which exhibited type III diameter class distribution patterns (reflects a species
whose regeneration is severely limited due to some reason). This implies an immense
potential for oleo-gum resin products in the study areas. The survey also disclosed that the
gum and resin bearing species were socio-economically significant for the livelihood of the
local community. The average annual household income generated from the sale of gums
and resins was estimated at about 3981 Ethiopian Birr. As the respondents mentioned,
most of the study species are the primary sources of fodder, medicine, food, sanitation, and
wood. Above all, gum and resin extraction are an almost non-destructive way of resource
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use. Hence, careful planning to integrate this sub-sector with other livelihood activities
such as livestock rearing not only as a means of income diversification but also as a
sustainable way of utilizing the natural woodland
