Benefits to the environment and pastoralist communities of organic certification for sustainable harvesting of frankincense and myrrh in north Kenya:

It is a difficult life for pastoralists – living in inhospitable arid areas, recurrent droughts where very little rain or no rain falls at all, and the constant stress of looking for new pasture. On top of that the insecurity caused from neighboring tribes raiding and stealing livestock and the battles and killing of people that go with it. A total dependency on livestock means generally a high livelihood insecurity. An alternative income can exist in these arid areas from the naturally occurring drought resistant vegetation of Boswellia and Commiphora species which produce aromatic resins of frankincense and myrrh. However for this to be successful one needs markets for the resins and/or essential oils which are difficult to establish. However by having certified organic frankincense and myrrh collection areas, targets the niche organic market for the resins or their essential oils because of the ‘good feel’ factor on the international markets for purchasing goods from sustainable and traceable sources. The aim is to have a dependable and regular market so that collectors can rely on this resource for a regular income and consequently plan collection activities. Two areas in north Kenya have been certified organic for frankincense and myrrh. This has created a dependable income and with it an awareness of the value of the resource which otherwise in future could be cut down or mutilated through lack of respect. If collectors can plan their collection activities, the harvest will be sustainable as they preserve the trees for future harvests. It also lessens a dependence on livestock husbandry and with it increased livelihood security. The collectors of the resins are mainly women who direct their income to the basic necessities of life, caring for the family, buying food and paying for the education of their children.

PASTORALISTS & RESINS

Northern Kenya is a vast area of harsh semi-desert, populated by nomadic pastoralists. This wild area is the habitat of the spiny myrrh and frankincense trees which exude aromatic resins. Several thousand hectares have been certified organic to ensure sustainable harvesting. This has given the pastoralists an alternative source of income and with it a desire to protect this valuable natural resource.
Frankincense & Myrrh collection benefit to pastoralists
Many of the nomadic people have a long tradition of perfumery mixing resins with other aromatic woods to make incense. The resins ooze naturally from the bark of the trees, from cracks or insect activity.
sustainable harvest and  natural exudation of frankincense & myrrh resins
sustainable harvest and  natural exudation of frankincense & myrrh resins
sustainable harvest and  natural exudation of frankincense & myrrh resins