Influence de l'environnement et des pratiques culturales sur la productivité de Jatropha curcas L. en Afrique subsaharienne (synthèse bibliographique)

Abstract

Influence of environment and cropping practices on the productivity of Jatropha curcas L. in Sub-Saharan Africa. A review. In most sub-Saharan African countries, the establishment of Jatropha curcas L. plantations preceded the scientific investigations necessary to optimize the production of this species. Consequently, the development of the plants was low and yields during the first years of cultivation were mostly disappointing. The low yields obtained in marginal conditions led to the belief that the cultivation of Jatropha could only be profitable in areas with fertile soils and sufficiently humid climates, which would place the plants in direct competition with food production. This article analyzes the available scientific knowledge regarding the ecological and technical factors influencing the productivity of J. curcas and suggests possible solutions for improving its performance in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords

• Jatropha curcas
• ecology
• cultivation
• yield
• Africa South of Sahara