Jatropha curcas
Jatropha is a drought tolerant perennial crop grows in marginal soils unsuitable for traditional food crops; and is ideal for the sustainable and socially responsible production of bio-energy in developing economies throughout the tropics. Jatropha has a high quality straight vegetable oil(SVO).Jatropha sheds its leaves during the dry season, improving soil fertility over the long-term further decreasing input requirements and costs for sustainable Jatropha production systems.
Jatropha has few requirements with respect to its environment allowing it to grow in areas that are too dry or too arid for other plants, or lands that have been abandoned by humans because of soil depletion. It effectively has the potential to convert marginal wasteland into a national income generating asset. Jatropha oil could bring significant wealth to Haiti’s poorest farmers in Hai
ti’s most marginalized areas and at the same time reduce Haiti’s dependence on foreign fuel imports. By improving Haiti’s energy independence, Jatropha will positively impact Haiti’s economy and improve Haiti’s balance of payments.
Rural job creation is the primary social benefit attributed to Jatropha production with sustainable and socially responsible production systems, while reforestation of marginal land and bio-energy production are the primary environmental benefits. Jatropha bio-energy is an income generator also promoting affordable energy independence in isolated rural economies. Examples from countries in Africa provide examples of how Jatropha cultivation can engage isolated areas in energy production and income generation.