Acacia Senegal and Gum Production for International Trade

There has been lack of data and accurate information on gum yield per tree from Acacia senegal despite the recognition of Gum Arabic in international trade. It is against this backdrop that FAO (2004) enjoined the fifteen gum producing countries to produce a yield estimate that could be used to measure gum yield on a per tree basis. Rural dwellers believe that gum yield of plantation grown Acacia senegal is low. There is dearth of information on gum yield estimates of the species especially under plantation. This book therefore, assessed gum yield of Acacia senegal L. under plantation and natural stands in Gummi, Zamfara State, Nigeria. It presents gum yields under different tapping techniques, specifying the best tapping technique. The book compares Gum yields under plantation and natural stands in relation to soil conditions, highlighting specific soil nutrients that could enhance gum yield in Acacia senegal. It also reveals that Gum yield in A. senegal is a function of forest management regimes, the tapping technique adopted and soil characteristics. The Food and agriculture Organization (FAO) will find this book very useful. Gum producing countries will find the book useful.