Economic net return analysis of Boswellia. Papyrifera (Del.) Hochst in the Blue Nile state, Sudan

Abstract

Boswellia. papyrifera (Del.) Hochst or frankincense tree is an important resource in the dry lands of the Blue Nile State. It is a multipurpose tree species with various environmental, cultural and socio-economic values. The objectives of the study were to analysis the socio-economic characteristics of workers and merchants and to conduct a net return analysis of frankincense yield for both of them. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire during the season 2011/2012. A formal survey was conducted in five localities Kurmok, Damazin, Roseris, Gessan and Baw, where workers and merchants were randomly selected. The information included socio-economic characteristics of workers and merchants, production cost, output prices, production, total return, marketing of product and production constraints. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the mean age of workers were 40 years and 48 years for merchants, 51% and 95% of workers and merchants were married, The educational level range between 3and5%for secondary school , 36 and 95% for basic school for workers and merchant respectively .more than 90% of workers and merchant came from eastern Sudan. The average production cost per metric tons was 1668 SDG and local market price of metric tons was 4000 SDG, however the net return of frankincense was found to be 2332 SDG per metric tons. The study revealed that the main constraints hampering production are government fees, marketing, water and security.