FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF GUM AND RESIN BEARING WOODY SPECIES IN FIQ DISTRICT, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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 xiii 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