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Kenya: Evil Jatropha tree’ turns out a saviour
Added 521 days ago - When Samson Ochieng’ read newspaper reports on the economic potential of biofuel crops, he set out to grow jatropha trees on his one-acre plot to benefit from the increased global demand of the crop.
But had he been aware of his neighbours’ loathing of the plant, he might have abandoned his mission to grow the “evil” plant in Rachuonyo village, Nyanza Province.
Cultural myths hold that the plant is evil and whoever touches it is also evil. Mr Ochieng’ found himself isolated when he first planted the crop in October 2005.
“What I read claimed one could harvest the crop for 50 years once it had matured. I saw this as an opportunity to secure my future,” Mr Ochieng’ recollects. He adds: “But people were shocked and began to accuse me of harbouring ill-intentions.”
Though a few villagers have come to appreciate the economic value of the tree, Mr Ochieng’ suggests more public education be carried out if many farmers are to grow jatropha in the region.
Mr Ochieng’ has tasted the sweet fruits of his labour since his 940 trees matured in June this year. Last month alone he harvested 10 kilogrammes of jatropha seeds.
To win the support of the villagers, Mr Ochieng’ gave five kilogrammes of the seeds to his neighbours at no cost.
He explained: “My intention was to encourage many to cultivate the crop and demystify their misgivings. I gave some free seeds.”
The search for substitutes to organic fuels whose prices have skyrocketed has gathered urgency over the last two years.
Oil prices rose steadily to $147 per barrel in July before retreating to around $100 a barrel of 159 litres.
Fears over biofuels reducing global food reserves have dogged efforts to grow jatropha, a wild tree that does not compete for arable land with food crops.
Lead community
Mr Ochieng’s goal is to lead his community in planting the trees in the hope of cashing in on a global rush to find an alternative to fossil fuel, just like other communities in arid and semi-arid areas in Coast, Rift Valley and North Eastern provinces have done.
Originating from the Caribbean, jatropha was introduced to Africa and Asia as hedge by the Portuguese. The mature trees bear male and female flowers, and do not grow tall.
Jatropha is resistant to drought, pests, and produces seeds containing up to 40 per cent oil. When the seeds are crushed and processed, the resulting oil can be used in a standard diesel engine, while the residue can also be processed into biogas to power electricity.
Experts say an hectare of jatropha can produces 1,900 litres of fuel. The seeds are poisonous and were traditionally used for medicinal purposes before researchers discovered they could be crushed to extract oil for processing into biodiesel.
Mr Ochieng’ sold the first harvest of five kilogrammes at Sh5,000, which was Sh1,000 a kilogramme. This encouraged him to increase the number of trees.
In Tanzania, jatropha is being introduced on large-scale basis after being cultivated by individual growers for six years. There are 1.2 million trees, according to Ali Mzee, the executive officer of Tanzania Association of Foresters.
Arusha and Iringa have embraced jatropha growing, with more than 41,500 smallholder farmers involved. Oil extracted from the jatropha seeds is used for the manufacture of soap, disinfectants and in lighting lanterns.
A litre of oil retails at Tsh2,000 (Sh100), according to Mr Mzee.
In Kenya, the Government and the private sector have rolled out projects for communities in semi-arid and arid areas — four fifths of the landmass — to plant the tree. When fuel shortage hit Naromoru, Nyeri District, drivers were eager to try another product that was produced locally, using croton seeds. The product turned out to be biodiesel, now produced on trial by the NGO Help Self Centre.
The biodiesel project, known as Kenya Eco-energy programme, is funded by Kenya School Project of USA, ICCO Netherlands, PACT Kenya and Solarix Netherlands. The non-commercial project hopes to be the catalyst on the use of biodiesel as an alternative to fossil fuels.
“Fuel consumption is low compared to the normal diesel. It’s Sh15 cheaper, which leaves some savings”, said Mr Githinji Wahome, a transporter, as he fuelled his 2.5 tonne truck at the centre.
While Kenyans have only been hoping for cheaper fuel, the prospects of locally produced fuel have been a mirage. Coupled with a 30 per cent inflation rate, cheaper fuel immediately creates interest. But there is still the fear of the “untested” locally produced “vegetable” oils.
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