The drylands of Eastern Africa are characterized by environmental conditions that pose significant challenges to economic development but their unique natural potential could be tapped for poverty alleviation. Among the region’s natural flora are sever - al oil producing tree species that when properly managed have high commercial and economic potential to enhance community’s resilience during extreme weather con - ditions. The oil products from these trees can be classified into three major groups according to their use (i) human dietary (ii) medicine and cosmetics and (iii) biofuels. Table 6.2.4.1 provides a summary of indigenous tree species with a potential for oil production found in the Eastern Africa drylands. This list is however not exhaustive. The list includes some introduced species such as Jatropha curcas, Azadirachta indica and Aleurites moloccana that have become naturalized in the region. Other oil producing tree species found within the Eastern Africa drylands with potential for exploitation in - clude Cephalocroton cordofanus, Moringa stenopetala, Schinzio phytonrautanenii and Tarchonanthus camphoratus.
Publication year
2014
Authors
Muchugi, A.; Okia C A; Chege, J.; Omujal F
Language
English
Keywords
drylands, drylands, use of oil trees, commercial production, environmental management, trees
