Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Acacia Senegal (L.) Management

Gum arabic is a natural exudate obtained from Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and is widely used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The yield and quality of gum arabic differ depending on the variety of A. senegal, site conditions and how the trees are managed in their natural range. However, it is not known to what extend the aforementioned factors affect the yield and quality of gum arabic. This book brings into perspective the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) applied by local communities in the management of A. senegal for gum arabic production in the dry lands of Kenya. It also provide in depth analysis on the potential yield and quality of gum arabic for three different varieties of A. senegal inhabiting sites with varying ecological and edaphic conditions. Furthermore, the book provides recommendations for effective management and conservation of A. senegal resources for increased gum arabic production. This book is written to guide forest managers, ecologists, scientists, policy makers, university students, staff working with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and business people with interest in gums and resins sector.