Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 892-90200, Kitui, Kenya

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 57-30403, Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P. O Box 20412-00200, Nairobi, Kenya

Evidence has shown that Boswellia, Acacia, Commiphora and other dryland trees and shrubs positively contributes to the livelihoods of the local communities and the Kenyan economy through production of gums, resins, oils and other commercial extracts. A study to assess the distribution, inventory and frankincense yield of Boswellia species in Wajir County was undertaken. Random line transects were laid down across the major populations from which 165 plots were identified and assessed for GPS coordinates; tree counts and other individual tree parameters. The results revealed that Boswellia neglecta and B. microphylla were found in the County. Other gums and resins yielding species in the County were Acacia senegal, Commimpora holtziana and C. myrrha. Owing to the harsh climatic conditions, most of the mature gums and resins yielding trees were observed to attain a mean height of between 4 to 7 meters and diameters at breast heights (dbh) of 9 to 15 cm. The yield records show that frankincense production varied widely across various sites, with a mean production estimated at 79.5 g/tree/year through natural exudes thus explaining the low yields of the frankincense production with a county annual production potential of 1,800 MT. Markets for the frankincense and mobilization of resources for collection were the two main drawbacks that warrant further investigation.

Keywords: Boswellia, frankincense, inventory, mapping and tree densities.