In this cultivation style, oil palm is grown as a monoculture and with high chemical input including pesticides, fertilisers, and herbicides to help the crop grow. Most palm oil today is produced in Southeast Asia. Chances are, if you look at a product on your kitchen shelf with palm oil, the oil within will be from a farm in Malaysia or Indonesia.
How much palm oil does South Africa Import?
Imports In 2022, South Africa imported $618M in Palm Oil, becoming the 21st largest importer of Palm Oil in the world. At the same year, Palm Oil was the 26th most imported product in South Africa. South Africa imports Palm Oil primarily from: Indonesia ($483M), Malaysia ($132M), Singapore ($971k), Italy ($462k), and Sweden ($295k).
Why do African countries want to raise palm oil production?
Since the last decade, countries from the African oil palm belt have been firmly determined to raise Africa¡¯s production of palm oil not only to ensure a sufficiency of oils and fats for its populations, but also to regain its share in the world market for vegetable oils.
Does oil palm research work in West Africa?
However, unlike most oil palm-based research, we work in West Africa. This might not seem strange at first glance but ¨C for oil palm research ¨C working in West Africa is quite unusual. Most people study oil palm in Southeast Asia and, to a lesser extent, South America.