Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Trees for sustainable livelihoods in the Horn of Africa : Studies on aromatic resins and other non-wood forest products in Somalia and Kenya

Puut kestävän toimeentulon lähteenä Afrikan Sarvessa : tutkimuksia suitsukkeesta, mirhasta ja muista metsän keruutuotteista Somaliassa ja Keniassa

Auteur : Hassan, Badal Ahmed

Université de soutenance : University of Helsinki,

Grade : Doctoral dissertation (article-based) // Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources 2020

Résumé
Dryland ecosystems support the livelihood of millions of people in the Horn of Africa. However, these ecosystems have been exploited and affected by continuous overgrazing, fire and tree cutting. The general aim of the study was to find ways of improving the adaptive strategy and livelihood of the rural communities, and promoting ecosystem sustainability in the Horn of Africa, using Kenya and Somalia as specific case studies. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the conceptual framework for sustainable development or sustainability. The study examined the non-wood forest products (NWFPs), both for food and non-food commodities, harvested to overcome food insecurity. It paid particular attention to the role of the aromatic resin bearing species of Boswellia and Commiphora in poverty alleviation and climate change adaptation in the region.

It also examined the rural communities’ views on the causes, effects and socio-economic impacts of resource degradation. Socio-economic field surveys were conducted in Wajir district of north-eastern Kenya and three districts in Somalia, Addado, Buhodle and Galka’ayo. A systematic literature review was also employed to identify, select and critically review the current information on socio-economic contributions of aromatic resins in the Horn of Africa. Qualitative analyses from surveys, group discussions and key informant consultations were used in processing the data.

The research identified several woody species which provide both food and nonfood products. The results emphasised the potential for using Boswellia and Commiphora species as agroforestry trees, for not only improving the economic conditions of the farmers, but also for increasing land productivity. The study highlighted forest degradation, droughts, building of reservoir and over-grazing as the main factors causing land degradation in the study areas. Farmers’ adoption of new agroforestry management techniques in general, and those for Boswellia and Commiphora species in particular has a distinct role in biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation in the Horn of Africa. This would also enhance ecosystem sustainability and improve rural livelihood security and thereby facilitate poverty alleviatio

Mots clés : Acacia-Commiphora woodlands, agro-pastoralists, non-wood forest products, frankincense, myrrh, Horn of Africa, Somalia, Kenya.

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