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.
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.
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.
How many oil palm estates does Dekel own?
Rights over 24,000 hectares of expansion land at Guitry Company owned estates Dekel has been granted rights over 176 oil palm estates covering 2,363 hectares of land within a radius of approximately 80 kilometres of Ayenouan village. To date, the company has planted 1,886 hectares of oil palms at these agricultural sites (Bonua and Aboisso).