Extensive unreported non-plantation oil palm in Africa

Descals, A ORCID: 0000-0003-1644-3036, Sheil, D, Wich, S ORCID: 0000-0003-3954-5174, Ozigis, M and Meijaard, E Extensive unreported non-plantation oil palm in Africa. Environmental Research: Food Systems.

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Abstract

The extent of oil palm in non-plantation settings in Africa remains unknown despite its considerable socio-economic, nutritional, and cultural importance. Non-plantation oil palm includes wild or semi-wild stands that grow in forest, agroforest, and garden contexts and appear dispersed or forming clusters with irregular arrangements. Based on stratified sampling and sub-meter satellite imagery, we estimated 6.53 ± 0.99 Mha of non-plantation oil palm in Africa, largely unreported in official statistics, but widespread in West and Central African villages. This previously undocumented oil palm highlights the potential role of such oil palm in supporting local livelihoods and informal food systems. Our findings are relevant for better informed policies on African food and land-use systems.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Biological and Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	IOP Publishing
Date of acceptance:	27 August 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	1 September 2025
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2025 10:55
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2025 11:00
DOI or ID number:	10.1088/2976-601x/adff89
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27067

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