THE IMPACT OF DESERTIFICATION CONTROL AND GUM ARABICL IN NIGERIA

Nigeria simply due to consistency in high quality, Nigeria farmers should therefore maintain good reputation on their products and meet the highest standards.

Food and agricultural organization (FAO) in 1996 made a review and discovered that the products taken into the market were adulterated because it was poorly produced, processed and so poor quality. This was attributed to lack of proper coordinating body to control the rate of competition amongst producers and to esure consistent production methodology and quality.

The restructuring of the only existing association into national association of gum Arabic producers, processors, and exporters of Nigeria (NAGAPPEN) has been largely responsible for Nigeria’s position back on the ladder of production, (Okoro et al), generating foreign exchange of over US $6 billion within a period of 4 year needs to be further strengthened. Established same in the state which have the vehicle through which informal training can be conducted, should be encouraged, with financial institutions taking the lead.

Proper supervision to ensure non tempering with the original quality which reduces its market value, creating had impression on the product must be put in place hearing in mind, every shipment is tested to ensure its optical rotation, solubility. Color and moisture content (5% moisture or less is considered stable).

The inclusion of Nigeria in the second phase of acacia operation project (AOP) organized by the network for natural gums and resins in Africa (NGARA) with a national focal point and the national project coordinator domiciled in federal ministry of environment aimed at enhancing best practices in the production of gum Arabic is to be taken more serious  by the government. There should be close relationship with the associations involved in its production and quality control (physical and physiochemical determination).