THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE AND STATUS OF POPULATIONS OF BOSWELLIA PAPYRIFERA (DEL.) HOCHST. IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF NORTH GONDER ZONE

ABSTRACT Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst, is a deciduous multipurpose tree growing in different parts of Ethiopia that provides oleo-gum—frankincense—from its stem. The species holds great actual and potential socio-economic, cultural and environmental importance locally, nationally and internationally. Despite its importance, various anthropogenic and natural factors are causing heavy pressure on the welfare of its populations and hampering regeneration. This study, which was carried out at two sites in North Gonder Zone, northern Ethiopia reports on: • its socio-economic importance: as a source of employment, income, revenue, and other goods and environmental services; • the status of its populations: soil seed bank, density, frequency, DBH. height and population structure; and • factors threatening its populations: human-induced fire, clearing of trees for crop cultivation, browsing and trampling. Recommendations to address the problems include: • making an inventory of the woodland resources with emphasis on the gum and resin producing species; • disseminating information and encouraging gum and resin collection in areas as yet untapped; • improving the harvesting and marketing of the produce.