Who we are
The Network for Natural Gums and Resins in Africa (NGARA) is a Pan African organization assisting African producing countries and partners formulate a coordinated strategy for the sustainable development of their natural gums, resins and allied dryland resources, for improving rural livelihood and environmental conservation. The organization focuses more on enhancing value chains for improving rural livelihood and environmental conservation.
The mission of NGARA is to position African producer countries and partners as major global players in the production, processing and marketing of gums, resins and allied tree based commodities from the drylands of Sub Saharan Africa.
Role of NGARA in the sector
NGARA brings together a broad set of stakeholders – farmers, collectors, traders, governments, non governmental organizations, exporters and importers – with a common desire to improve the production and quality of locally produced gums and resins for domestic, regional and global markets. NGARA has 16 member countries (Map below), and it aims to also bring on board other countries in Africa with gum and resin resources.
NGARA Regional Presence and its mission
Since its establishment in 2000, NGARA has collaborated with various key partners in the development and implementation of a wide range of projects.
Partners
NGARA has four main objectives
Information Exchange
To promote the exchange of information on the production, marketing, processing and quality control of gums and resins in producer countries and with partners
Capacity strengthening
To facilitate access to technological development and training.
Research
To support relevant research in the key areas of the sector
Coordination
To promote links between primary producers, processors and end users
The Gums
Commercial gum resins – myrrh, frankincense and hagar – are also known as oleo gum resins; they contain an essential oil component, a water-soluble gum and an alcohol-soluble resin.
The Executive Board
Prof. Godwin Kowero
