Horn Aroma Botanica progressed from July to September of the 2023 quarter

Horn Aroma Botanica (HAB), a company operating under the USADF-funded Sustainable Frankincense Production for Employment and Economic Growth project, has made significant progress in achieving its targets from July to September 2023. The company established a retail section for local distribution and sales in July 2023, launching two warehouses and investing in 12 smartphones to enhance online stock management and mobile applications. HAB conducted training sessions on environmental conservation awareness for frankincense farmers, harvesters, and collectors in Puntland State, Somalia, with 300 participants, including 30% women.

To support the trained farmers, HAB distributed essential harvesting tools and personal protection equipment from April 13–17, 2023, which included safety gear, first aid supplies, gloves, sunglasses, tapping tools, solar-powered torches, and woven plates. The USADF budget enabled these provisions.

HAB also installed integrated ERP software on the 12 smartphones, improved the company's website, and upgraded QuickBooks for more efficient financial management. In September 2023, HAB acquired and processed a second consignment of Frankincense and Myrrh raw materials, resulting in 14 tonnes of materials. The HAB project team provided administrative support and management during this period, including weekly progress reporting, recruiting and orienting new warehouse managers, reviewing project documentation, and consulting with HAB management.

The main objective of HAB's activities was to improve livelihoods, income, and employment opportunities for the Puntland Frankincense farmer community and society as a whole. To achieve this, HAB introduced a new retail and packaging product line, established a distillation plant in Dubai, UAE, and held a joint meeting with the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment of Puntland State in Somalia.

However, HAB faces challenges in sales and marketing due to difficulties with exporting to China due to the currency crisis. Despite efforts to address this issue, the company remains committed to exploring new strategies to mitigate the impact on sales and marketing efforts.

Supported by USADF