Jatropha in Namibia

LDI is a rural development programme financed by USAID and executed by Chemonics international under the ministery of environnement’s wing that lasted from 1998 to 2003. It is relayed by the one year transition project PTE (programme de transition eco regionale).

· : preserve nature and help people to live in better conditions, which means preserve biodiversity, and especially primary forests that are now very threatened,

There is an endemic species of jatropha in madagascar, which can be found in the South-West of the island : jatropha mahafalensis ; jatropha curcas as been introduced in th 18th centery, and is now widely present.

In the province of Fianarantsoa (South/ East), farmers use it as living fences. Oftently, there is one person in the village or area whose activity is to produce the oil, which is a daily product for women (to take care of their hair, and solidify babies cranes). You can easily find it on the local markets.

There is a factory near Tulear (South) who is producing seeds and oil, with both species.

As jatropha is already known and used, it seems be a good mean to developp the activities of proverty reduction, and incomes diversification, to give a real alternative to the flash and burn method.

· Study of the local uses of jatropha curcas in Fianarantsoa province. How do people perceive and grow the plant, how they make the oil, what are their uses of it all.

· Technical vulgarisation about the plant. Writing of a technical fiche in malgasy and french, meeting with farmers associations to explain the growth, the potential. Farmers are very interrested to developp jatropha knowledge and activities, as the plant is familiar and easy-growing. There is alreday 20 000 seedings given, and several tree nurseries constructed.

	Economic study	Tests
As fuel or biofuel	Several uses are imagined : the chinese and indian engines in the cou ntry side (decortiqueuses…) the publics transports in Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa (mini bus) the train,the JIRAMA engines (state compagny of water and electricity).	The pr. Josua Randriamorasata is testing the different oils : jatropha curcas / mahafalensis, traditionnally made or with more elaborated presses, on those different types of engines He is also testing the biodiesel way.
For cosmetic use	Local production of soap. Sell to cosmetic industry that are dealing with natural products.	Different ways of making soap.
For medicinal use	Using the rich possibilities to make medicine	Some laboratories are very interested in testing different parts of the plants for their products.