CADEP-SFM Good Practises

Title: Sustainable Production of Bitter Gum from Indigenous Aloe Species in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya

Category: Crop

Country: Kenya

Audience: Farmers, Entrepreneurs and Extension Agents

Introduction

Mogotio Sub-County is located in southern part of Baringo County. The Sub-County has about 15,000 inhabitants. The region is semi-arid, with a mean temperature of about 32.8°C and annual average rainfall of 512 mm per year occurring in two seasons, March to August and November to December. Soils are shallow and stony in some places. The main economic activities within the Sub-County are; dairy-farming and growing of food crops such as maize. However, food crop production in the area is declining mainly due to changes in rainfall pattern, resulting to food insecurity and loss of income. To mitigate these challenges, farmers have embarked on growing and sustainably utilizing Aloe secundiflora (Aloe), an indigenous plant species adapted to the local climatic conditions. The Aloe plant provides various products including sap used in production of bitter gum, which offers alternative income.

Objective

To improve livelihood of farmers in Mogotio Sub-county through sustainable production of bitter gum from Aloe secundiflora

Approach

Communities in Mogotio Sub-County have in the past been using traditional practices in harvesting Aloe from the wild for production of bitter gum. Such practices did not apply prescribed management practices, and led to low productivity and poor quality of Aloe bitter gum. To improve productivity of aloe and quality of bitter gum, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) provided technical support to the farmers through; training, field and farmer-to-farmer exchange visits, and field days. Since much of indigenous Aloe is found in the wild, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) was involved in commodity development through training and issuing of permits for harvesting from defined Aloe Management Units. Communities also worked closely with an NGO, Baringo Aloe Bio-enterprise (BABE) for market links. To increase Aloe population in the area, Aloe secundiflora has also established on-farm and enrichment planting done in the wild. Aloe plant is propagated through suckers or seeds. Seeds are harvested during the two flowering seasons and broadcasted in the field. Seedlings propagated from seeds take 6 months to 1 year before they are ready for out-planting, whereas suckers take 6 to 7 days to establish. The Aloe leaves, which are used for production of bitter gum can be harvested every 3 months from mature plants. Tools used in harvesting and post-harvest processing of Aloe include; knife, plastic bucket or basin, jerry cans, drum, shovel, mixer, rope and sack. The materials used are Aloe secundiflora leaves. Fire wood and stones are also required. Procedure for Aloe Bitter Gum Production 1. Cut mature outer layer leaves of Aloe plant at the base with a knife, leaving 6 - 10 juvenile leaves for the next harvest. It is advisable to harvest leaves between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for quick dripping of sap from the harvested leaves. Avoid harvesting during rainy or cold seasons. 2. Immediately place the harvested leaves in slanting position in a bucket for the sap to drip. 3. Allow the sap to drip for about 20 – 30 minutes. A single leaf of Aloe can produce 15 - 20 mm of sap, and a farmer can collect about 10 litres of Aloe sap in a day. 4. Collect the dripped sap in a suitable container such as a jerry can 5. Sieve the collected sap 6. Pour the sieved sap in a half-cut drum. 7. Boil the sap for about 4 hours, stirring continuously until all the water evaporates leaving only the Aloe bitter gum. About 3 litres of Aloe sap produces 1 kg of Aloe bitter gum. 8. Collect the gum in a clean sack and store for 24 hours to cool and solidify. The gum is ready for market.

Impact

  1. Improved livelihood of the farmers from sales of Aloe bitter gum. One (1) kilogram of Aloe bitter gum is sold at Ksh 250 - 300 (US$2.5-3).
  2. Vegetation cover of the area has improved.
  3. With increase of Aloe population in the wild, soil erosion has decreased, while flowering Aloes provide nectar for bees, thereby improving honey production
  4. In-situ conservation of a once endangered Aloe species through; sustainable harvesting from Aloe Management Units, enrichment planting and on-farm planting. Sustainability
  5. The Group continuously acquires knowledge and skills from KEFRI, KWS and BABE
  6. Expansion of Aloe establishment on-farm
  7. Links and network with Aloe business partners to secure market

Innovation

The Aloe business led to the formation of Aloe farmers’ organization, which has established collecting, processing and marketing centres. The organization has ensured improved quality and quantity of Aloe bitter gum, leading to securing a ready market, and enhanced conservation of the Aloe. The organization also signs contracts with buyers to ensure price stability.

Constraints

  1. The process of producing Aloe bitter gum is labour intensive
  2. Lack of appropriate protective gear during boiling process
  3. Exposure to high heat and smoke
  4. Fluctuation of prices

Lessons

  1. There is need to conserve and promote viable practices for utilization of Aloe secundiflora to ensure sustainable production of Aloe bitter gum
  2. It is important to follow prescribed procedures to produce high quality Aloe bitter gum such as avoiding adulteration through mixing of sap from different species
  3. Continuously improve marketing strategy such as sourcing new markets, having complimentary products from Aloes such as medicines and herbal tea, and cultivating good working relationship with relevant government agencies and NGOs has made the group benefit from various services and linkages.

Conclusion

Production of Aloe bitter gum is a profitable activity, which can contribute to improved livelihood and environmental sustainability.