February 2019 brought a visit with the Camel and Goat herders of the Somali region of Ethiopia. What was once called the “Ogaden”. They are the collectors of Frankincense and Myrrh. While grazing their animals among the abundant Boswellia and Commiphora trees of the Savannah, they gently and sustainably collect the aromatic resins from the trees and ground.
Life as a pastoralist in Eastern Africa has become increasingly difficult as droughts regularly plague the land leaving animals and herders with little water or food in the dry season. There are no guarantees anyone will have enough to barter or buy basic nourishment for their families from season to season.
Collecting and selling these resins could add financial security to their lives. However, more often than not, they lack a market for their resins. Someone to sell them to, which is where we come in.
Our goal is to work with the collector families directly. To train them in best practices for collecting, sorting, grading and storing their resins and to establish cooperatives that will help support their communities and ensure a market with
The boss ladies of the resin co-op. 
Lovely lady in one of 3 co-op resin supply houses in Gode. 
Suhul Myrrh from the Somali region of Ethiopia. 
Suhul Myrrh 
Boswellia Rivae. One of the most aromatic of the Frankincense family 
Harvesters haul of Myrrh 
Opoponax-Commiphora Guidotti. Cousin to Myrrh and one of the best known of the Scented, or Sweet Myrrhs. Best identified by its raised branches as if saying “Pick me, pick me!” 
Ms. Myrrh. Bushland Babe 
Harvesting Myrrh resin. One drop at a time from the tree. A natural exudate, Suhul Myrrh forms on the trees branches without encouragement or tapping. 
Tea time in Gode 
A stop in Addis Ababa University for a long overdue visit with my friend. 
As soon as the ground warms one sees dust devils across the horizon. 
Partner Duran with Opoponax 
Co-op #2 in Gode. Selling the resins to a larger market. 
Remote collection center of one family in the savanna 
B. Rivae 
Boswellia Rivae. Though treated with respect, is position amidst the homes and huts of the collectors may have made it perfect for borrowing firewood in emergencies. 
Boswellia/Frankincense Rivae Somali Region-Ethiopia 
Myrrh and Hussein. 
Low on air and time to stretch our legs. 
An unanticipated interview on the Somali region TV channel. With my distinguished partners and Ahmed Sheikh, the executive director of the Somali Region pastoral and Agro-Pastoral research institute who has been working tirelessly for the benefit of the areas pastoralists for many years 
An extensive Herbarium is found at the headquart ers of the Somali Region Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Research Institute in Jijiga. The number of local variations of Boswellia Neglecta and B. Microphylla is boggling .
Local and regional governments are with us on this project and with fingers crossed, we will see a container of ethically, sustainably and fairly traded resins in North America before the end of the year.
Dan
Love seeing some of the beautiful hands and faces behind the resins.