Evaluating the Potential of to Provide Sustainable Livelihood Benefits in Eastern Ethiopia.

Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin collected from wild spp. trees, and widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, incense, and other industries. , growing in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, is one source of frankincense, but is little-commercialized compared to species such as , , and . In this study, we examine the resin essential oil chemistry and harvesting systems of in order to evaluate its potential for increased trade and potential positive livelihood benefits. produces an essential oil rich in α-thujene (0.1-12.4%), α-pinene (5.5-56.4%), β-pinene (0.3-13.0%), δ-3-carene (0.1-31.5%), -cymene (1.4-31.2%), limonene (1.8-37.3%), β-phellandrene (tr-5.6%), -pinocarveol (0.1-5.0%), -verbenol (0.1-11.2%), and -β-elemene (0-5.7%), similar to major commercial species, although it is difficult to detect mixing of and resins from chemistry alone. The trees are not actively tapped, so resin collection has a neutral impact on the health of the trees, and resin production is unaffected by drought. Consequently, collecting resins acts as a key income supplementing livestock herding, as well as a safety net protecting pastoral communities from the severe negative effects of climate change-exacerbated drought on livestock. Therefore, is well positioned chemically, ecologically, and socially to support expanded trade.