Arabic Gum Tree Plantation
Sapping natural resources or a chance for sustainable development?
Encountered in supermarket items, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, gum arabic (also known as ‘E414’) is a naturally derived ingredient sourced from the wild. Have you ever wondered about its origins, the people who harvest it, and its journey into your daily products?
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Current issues
The conservation status of this vital plant has not been globally assessed, but like many other sap producing plants in the region, Senegalia senegal faces multiple threats, including habitat decline due to climate change, livestock grazing, droughts, fires, and overharvesting.
And it’s not just the trees that face difficulties. To harvest the sap by hand in the height of the sweltering dry season is strenuous work, often carried out by local families (including children) and seasonal and nomadic workers. Despite the low pay and difficult working conditions, the harvest provides much-needed income to put food on the table during the off-season of other agricultural activities.
Sven Walter, Senior Forestry Officer at FAO, adds, “The sustainable use of wild plants has critical implications for food security and for millions of livelihoods around the world. It is time that wild plants are given more serious consideration in our efforts to protect and restore habitats, promote sustainable agrifood systems and build inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies.
A chance for sustainable growth
The global demand for wild plant ingredients is increasing - their international trade value has grown by a staggering 75% over the past two decades. Exports of unprocessed and semi-processed gum arabic have almost tripled in the last 25 years, from an annual average of 35,000 tonnes between 1992 and 1994 to 102,000 tonnes between 2014 and 2016.
Alongside their economic potential, the WildCheck report looks at where the opportunities lie for environmental conservation amid this surge in global demand for wild plant ingredients.
Senegalia senegal and other acacia varieties are critical species used to rehabilitate dryland vegetation in the Great Green Wall Project. This project aims to create a new forest spanning the width of the African continent, where gum arabic would be the most commercially valuable sap-producing species, creating income-earning opportunities for local people and contributing to restoring biodiversity.
The Origins and Historical Use of Gum Arabic
Gum arabic's use dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, who used it as a binding agent in the mummification process, as well as for inks and paints used in hieroglyphics. Its unique properties as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and sweetener have made it valuable across various industries throughout history.
Gum Arabic in Sudan
Sudan is considered the world’s largest producer of gum arabic. The gum arabic belt in Sudan, stretching across the Sahelian acacia savanna, has been an important part of the region's economy for hundreds of years. The trees thrive in the harsh, arid conditions of Sudan, particularly the Kordofan and Darfur regions, where the climate and ecological conditions are ideal for their growth.
Economic Importance
Historically, gum arabic was one of Sudan’s major exports, particularly during the colonial period when European powers realized its importance in food processing and other industries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European demand for gum arabic soared due to its use in the rapidly growing textile and food industries. Sudan became a central player in the global gum arabic market because of the high quality of its gum, which is still considered superior due to its high solubility and low viscosity.
Cultural Significance
In Sudanese culture, the harvesting of gum arabic, known locally as "tapping," involves making incisions in the tree's bark so that the gum slowly seeps out. This method ensures that the trees are not harmed, reflecting a traditional understanding of sustainable harvesting practices. The harvesting season, which generally runs from November to April, is a crucial time for many local communities, providing seasonal employment and income.
Growing Sustainability
Community Impact
Economy Initiatives
Political and Economic Dynamics
Throughout the 20th century, gum arabic continued to be a vital economic resource for Sudan, albeit with fluctuating markets and prices influenced by global demand, agricultural policies, and regional conflicts. The government of Sudan has often used gum arabic as a bargaining chip in international politics, especially given its importance to major industries worldwide. During the U.S. trade sanctions on Sudan in the 1990s and 2000s, gum arabic was notably exempted, highlighting its global indispensability in the food and pharmaceutical industries. More recently, Sudan has worked to stabilize and increase gum arabic production, recognizing its potential in improving the economic stability of rural areas and its role in environmental conservation efforts.
Modern Challenges and Opportunities
Today, the challenges facing the gum arabic sector in Sudan include deforestation, climate change, and the need for modernization of production techniques. There is also a growing recognition of the need for sustainable management to ensure that this ancient resource can continue to provide economic and environmental benefits for future generations. Efforts to expand the market for gum arabic are coupled with initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable practices in its collection and trade. These include improving the livelihoods of gum collectors, introducing new technologies for tapping and processing, and maintaining the ecological balance necessary to support healthy acacia populations. The history of gum arabic in Sudan is a testament to the country's resilience and its ability to adapt to both opportunities and challenges in the global marketplace. As Sudan continues to navigate economic reforms and environmental challenges, gum arabic remains a symbol of both cultural heritage and economic potential.
Gum Arabic Tree (Acacia senegal) Fact Sheet
Scientific Classification:
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Acacia
Species: A. senegal
Common Names: Gum Arabic Tree, Sudanese Gum Arabic Tree, Senegal Gum Acacia
Native Range:
Primarily found in Sudan and other parts of the Sahel zone within Africa, including Senegal, Somalia, and parts of India.
Physical Description:
Size: Typically reaches 4 to 15 meters in height.
Leaves: Bright green, small, and feathery compound leaves.
Bark: The bark is grey and rough, often exuding gum.
Flowers: Small, bright yellow, and grow in spherical clusters.
Fruit: Produces flat and papery pods containing several seeds.
Climate and Soil:
Climate: Prefers arid to semi-arid climates. It is drought-resistant but can also tolerate light frosts.
Soil: Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types if they are not waterlogged.
Cultivation and Growth:
Propagation: Mainly propagated through seeds.
Growth Rate: Moderately fast-growing in suitable conditions but can take 4-5 years to start producing gum.
Planting Conditions: Requires full sun and can be planted in degraded areas as part of reforestation efforts.
Economic Importance:
Gum Arabic: The tree exudes a natural gum, known as gum arabic, from its trunk and branches. Gum arabic is highly valued for its use in the food industry as a stabilizer, in pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, and as a traditional medicine.
Other Uses: The wood is used for fuel and making small tools; the bark and leaves have medicinal properties.
Environmental Impact:
Soil Conservation: Helps in stabilizing soil and reducing erosion.
Carbon Sequestration: Contributes to carbon dioxide absorption, mitigating the effects of climate change.
Biodiversity: Supports various wildlife species which feed on its leaves and use the tree as shelter.
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