Yet the continent must dodge Asia’s deforestation errors. Governments push for more output. They eye self-sufficiency. However, rapid expansion risks forests and wildlife.
Global Forest Watch reports Indonesia lost approximately 9.7 million hectares of tree cover from 2001-2022. Oil palm expansion is a major driver of deforestation in Indonesia alongside other factors like logging. This drove billions in exports. But it sparked global backlash. NGOs highlight displaced orangutans. Africa relies heavily on palm oil imports, primarily from Asia. This drains foreign reserves. Nigeria enacted palm oil import bans/restrictions starting 2001, reversed in 2004 due to domestic shortages. Politicians still push for bans.
Yield Gaps and Smallholder Challenges
In Africa, smallholder palm oil production is dominant, with estimates of 60-80% in some countries like Nigeria. Most farm under five hectares. They use old trees. African smallholder yields average 3-7 t/ha FFB, while plantations reach up to 20-25 t/ha. Elikplim Agbitor was associated with RSPO Africa initiatives at the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. RSPO sets standards since 2004. “We are not producing enough to feed ourselves,” Agbitor says. Palm oil serves as cooking fuel and moisturiser in Africa. Multinationals eye the continent. Asia lacks land. “Africa is the new frontier,” Agbitor warns. Governments back expansion. This threatens conservation and land rights.
Intensification beats expansion. Experts urge higher yields on existing land. In Cameroon, rainforests face threats. The Congo Basin holds high-value forests. Imogen Fanning is associated with ZSL palm oil sustainability work at the Zoological Society of London. ZSL runs projects there. “Improve production on cultivated land,” she says. SIAT Group operates in Nigeria and is RSPO-certified. SIAT follows HCV set-asides typically 10% or more for conservation. West Africa lacks primary forests. “Ghana and Nigeria don’t have too much forested areas,” Robert notes. They use degraded land.
Sustainable Paths for Growth
Ghana shows promise. Golden Star Oil Palm Plantations aids smallholders. Lawrence Quarshie coordinates sustainability. GSOPP partners with the Golden Star Oil Palm Farmers Association, which is RSPO-certified. Yields rise with better practices. This cuts deforestation risks.
Investors should track RSPO-certified projects in West Africa. They balance yields and conservation. Multinationals seek scale. Smallholder upgrades offer returns. Sustainable firms like Siat draw capital. Policy shifts, such as Nigeria’s import curbs, spur demand. However, enforce land rights. Watch Congo Basin risks. Opportunities grow as Asia saturates. Back intensive models. They protect value and profits.
