Arid land plants for economic development and desertification control

It is possible that thornbush country previously thought almost worthless could in fact be natural resource gold mines. The Acadia, Commiphora, Boswellia, Sterculia and many other trees and shrubs in these drylands produce gums, resins, oils and other extracts that are currently in demand in many of today's industries. There is great potential to develop more products that would make use of these renewable resources. The benefits to Africa could be enormous: the creation of employment and new industries, foreign exchange earnings, and land conservation and rehabilitation.