But, as in Nigeria and Ghana, it is the smallholders in Ivory Coast, like Desire-Jacques Porquet, who produce most of the country’s palm oil. "Palm oil is important because it supports two million people [in Ivory Coast]," Mr Porquet says as he turns off the smooth, tarred highway and drives deep into the bush along a winding, dusty track.
Where does palm oil come from?
The palm oil industry originated in West Africa but is now dominated by massive plantations in South-East Asia. The BBC’s Tamasin Ford reports that Ivory Coast, and other African countries, are trying to take the lucrative business back home to tap into its profits.
Are oil palm projects a success or a failure?
The First and Second Oil Palm Projects for the Ivory Coast were rated successful. The projects either achieved or exceeded their objectives, sustainability is likely, and .
How many hectares of palm oil are there in Liberia?
Over the last few years Malaysia’s Sime Darby and Singapore’s Golden Agri-Resources Ltd, the two leading palm oil producers in the world, have scooped up more than 500,000 hectares of land in neighbouring Liberia. Across West and Central Africa, hundreds of thousands of hectares have been identified for other expansions.
Why did Abidjan hold the first palm oil Congress?
In June, Abidjan held Africa’s first palm oil congress; its main objective being to change the image of palm oil. It is synonymous with words like deforestation, "land grabbing" and the thick smog that spread across parts of South-East Asia in June. Mr Porquet, however, insists they do things differently here.
Why is palm oil important?
"Palm oil is important because it supports two million people [in Ivory Coast]," Mr Porquet says as he turns off the smooth, tarred highway and drives deep into the bush along a winding, dusty track. "Farmers, producers, workers… and they use the fruit for food," he adds.