Wajir County government is seeking best harvesting methods for gum and resins in the county and beyond. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Residents in Wajir County are set to benefit from harvesting and processing of gum and resins after the government plans to build a processing plant in the county.
Governor Mohamed Abdi said there is need to build a processing plant at Lanbiib Centre, six kilometers from Wajir town since Wajir is the largest producer of gum and resins in the country.
Speaking on Saturday, Governor Abdi said the county government has launched a study to look into the best harvesting methods to boost its production and to minimize losses as traditional methods have led to over-harvesting and drying up of trees.
He said the initiative will go a long way in creating jobs and generating alternative income sources for the residents who are mainly pastoral communities in the county.
“My administration is committed to establishing a well-resourced department on alternative livelihoods with regard to natural resources such as gum, resins and aloe vera, among others,” Mr Abdi said.
The initiative will be carried out in partnership with Finland Church Aid — a Finnish church organization which will seek to introduce better harvesting methods.
Wajir South livestock production officer Julius Mwangi said the gum and resins will be sold to the food, pharmaceutical, and paint-making industries.
“Gum and resins are produced naturally in eight counties — Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana and Wajir,” he said.