The Potential of Acacia senegal for Dry land Agroforestry and Gum Arabic Production in Uganda

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to determine the agroforestry and gum arabic production potential of Acacia senegal in the drylands of Luwero, Nakasongola and Karamoja districts of Uganda. In the Luwero-Nakasongola drylands, farm-transect walks and questionnaires were used to assess the proportion of farmland under A. senegal and to collect data on the socio-economic profile of the farmers, their willingness to plant and manage A. senegal on their farms respectively. The gum arabic production potential of A. senegal in the Karamoja region was assessed by establishing 135 sample plots each measuring 20 x 20 m in undisturbed land, grazed land and cultivated land. Farmers are willing to plant and manage A. senegal as an agroforestry tree species in Luwero and Nakasongola districts. The density of A. senegal varied in Karamoja and was highest in Jie county. Although there were few trees in the gum producing age of 12-12 years, there is a potential for gum arabic production. Local people use the gum for repairing household items, and use the wood for hand tools, fencing, firewood and building poles.