Will oil palm production increase in the Congo Basin?
Land area allocated to oil palm increased by 40% in the Congo Basin and five additional top-producing countries in Africa between 1990 and 2017. Without intervention, future production increases in the region will likely come from expansion rather than intensification due to low crop and processing yields, possibly at the expense of forest.
Where can oil palm be grown in the Congo Basin?
Most of the roughly 280 million hectares (Mha) of additional land suitable for oil palm in the Congo Basin are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (60%), Cameroon (11%) and the Republic of Congo (10%). Many heavily forested countries in the Congo Basin are setting national targets to increase production to meet national and regional demands.
Are palm oil plantations a threat to the Congo Basin?
Palm oil plantations and other commercial agriculture operations are a growing threat, putting greater pressure on the Congo’s forests and rivers. The Congo Basin is extremely rich in wood, oil and minerals such as diamonds, gold and coltan (used to make cell phones).
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.