Africa¡¯s contribution to global palm oil supplies declined from 77 percent in 1961 to less than 4 percent in 2014, as the crop boomed in Malaysia and Indonesia. But many of the Congo Basin¡¯s most forested countries are dreaming big. Cameroon aims to double palm oil production by 2035, and Gabon has ambitions of becoming a leading exporter.
Are the Congo Basin’s leaders paying attention to oil palm expansion?
There are some early signs that the Congo Basin¡¯s leaders are already paying attention to the potential environmental trade-offs of oil palm expansion ¨C like the Marrakesh Declaration, in which seven African governments pledge a shift towards sustainable, low-carbon palm oil production.
Are technology-driven intensifications in place in the Congo Basin palm oil sector?
Research suggests that technology-driven intensification, are in place (Byerlee et al. 2014). encouraging sustainability in the Congo Basin palm oil sector. development. Success will also rely on active engagement with civil society organizations as well as public and private companies.
Where is the largest palm plantation in Congo?
Located about 120 km from Mbandaka, Boteka contains about 3.700 hectares of planted oil palms. Founded in the 1920s, Lokutu is PHC’s largest plantation. Located about 250 km from Kisangani, Lokutu contains about 9.700 hectares of planted oil palms. PHC is the largest palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo.