Gum Arabic is normally collected on naturally growing trees Acacia Senegal trees. The tree is much widespread in the Sahel (CNI 2006).

It is possible to establish plantations of Acacia Senegal to produce gum Arabic. In order to achieve a good production, it is important to choose high gum producing varieties of Acacia Senegal. The most vigorous trees produce the most gum. 

ICRISAT has grafted an Acacia Senegal variety originating from Sudan on a local variety. The grafted trees produce 5 times as much gum Arabic as local non grafted trees (source D. Pasternak, ICRISAT).

The Acacia Senegal may start producing gum 5 years after plantation. The revenue per hectare of gum Arabic is approximately the same as that of a hectare of millet.

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