Jatropha seed processing pays dividends for small-scale farmers
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Written by The Zimbabwean
Wednesday, 24 November 2010 17:44
MUDZI – Jatropha, a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to Latin
America, was introduced to Zimbabwe in the 1940’s. It is found in many
parts of the country, with concentrations in the North Eastern districts of
Mutoko, Wedza, Chiweshe, Mudzi, Nynaga North, Guruve and Binga. Research
has shown that the oil the seeds produce can be used for a number of
purposes. The plant is also used for hedging and as livestock fence.
Environment Africa worked with the farming communities in Mudzi and through
an educational and facilitation process, they are now successfully
processing the oil from the Jatropha seed and using the oil and its by
products in an economically viable manner. This self sustaining community
upliftment project was initiated and implemented by EA through its ‘Support
for Innovative Approaches to Livelihood Improvement through Energy Provision
and Income Generating Projects’.
When the project was first introduced to the people of Mudzi, many put their
names down during the beneficiary identification and registration phase,
thinking that a ‘truck load of maize and cooking oil’ would be given out
later. However, the project training showed them how to propagate the
plant, harvest and store the seed and extract the jatropha oil. When they
were shown the multitude of by products that could be made from the oil,
such as soaps, jatropha cake composting and household illumination, using
jatropha oil in lamps instead of paraffin, the community realized the real
economic benefit this had for them and how it could uplift their lives.
The farmers also received training on governance issues where the
Environmental Action Group (EAG) management committees were trained in
leadership and action planning. On the business side, they were trained in
project management and financial governance and product development, quality
control and marketing.
Jatropha Products
The community is now manufacturing various products from jatropha that they
sell locally and in Harare. A major product is jatropha soap. It is
natural, gentle on the skin, has a large amount of natural glycerin and the
quality easily surpasses commercially produced soaps. Jatropha soap is
cheaper compared when compared to other competing soaps. The farmers say
that the soap normally outlasts commercial products and has a ‘creaminess’
that just can’t be duplicated by any of the soaps you find in stores. It is
used to clean just about everything from greases to saddling.
Before Environment Africa’s initiative, the farmers used to burn the peeled
dry Jatropha seed beaded on a thin wire that had been left in the sun during
the day to assist in liquefying the oil contained in the seed making it
easier to burn. The Jatropha candle as they called it burns from the top
downwards one seed lighting the other. The introduction of the manual oil
pressing machines brought relief to the farmers as they are now able to
extract the oil from jatropha seeds and use it in simple wick lamps which
burn safely and with less smoke. They also say that the smoke from the
lamps acts as mosquito repellent. The use of the oil for lighting has
brought other benefits like allowing children to study at night, while the
woman are able to do other projects like crocheting and weaving.
Jatropha cake is a by-product from oil pressing and is being be used as an
organic manure. Tests show that the cake is better than cattle and chicken
manure in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and organic matter.
Economic Viability
Studies carried out by Environment Africa together with WWF Zimbabwe showed
that it is highly economic to process the Jatropha seed at local level.
When compared to selling the seed to outside buyers, local level processing
brings better overall economic benefits to the community.
Having seen the benefits, since the project started in May 2009, the farmers
have to date planted 70,000 Jatropha trees as hedges and mini plantations
from cuttings, truncheons or seedlings.
On the business front, the farmers have formed a marketing association at
local level that will assist in the marketing of their products especially
the soaps. By pooling their produce and resources, they can accommodate
larger orders and can also carry out extensive market research, hire lawyers
where needed and can purchase more project materials.