Jatropha is well adapted to marginal areas with poor soils and low rainfall, where it grows without competing with annual food crops, thus filling an ecological niche. It is widely distributed in the tropics. The species has numerous uses and it is in their combination that the potential of this crop lies. The most important aspects are carbon dioxide absorption, erosion control, oil, and organic fertilizer production. The use of the oil as a substitute for diesel fuel and for soap production in rural areas improves the living conditions of the people and offers additional income.

In Mali, for instance, the Jatropha seed harvest fits perfectly into the agricultural calendar: the main seed harvest is in August/September; millet is harvested in October. All parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine and active com­ponents are being investigated in scientific trials. Biokerosene made from Jatropha oil from Mali, produced by the Dutch company MaliBiocarburant, has been used in test flights. This is for me a real model company for how a Jatropha plantation should be managed. Have a look at their video on http://www. malibiocarburant. com/malibioen.

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