Resource information
Jatropha curcas is a plant of Latin
American origin, now widespread through arid, and semiarid
tropical regions of the world. It is a drought-resistant
perennial, that grows on marginal soils, and, as a close
relative to the castor plant, its oil has the same medical
properties. In Mali, it is well-known and has long been
recognized as a plant of many uses: Jatropha hedges not only
protect gardens from hungry livestock, but reduces damage,
and erosion from wind, and water. As of the 1930s, the oil
potential as a fuel source was also recognized, currently
used to substitute for the "gazoil" mixture used
in the Indian type diesel engines, that drive grain mills,
and water pumps in rural areas of Mali, while its
high-quality oil extracted by engine-driven expellers, or by
the sediment of the oil purification process, may be used
for larger-scale soap making in rural areas, providing local
women the chance to gain additional income, thus
strengthening their economic position. The note examines all
these possibilities, as well as the potential further uses
of Jatropha oil as a renewable energy source, being
currently researched. To summarize, Jatropha is
characterized by the many positive ecological, energetic,
and economic aspects which are attached with its commercial
exploitation, which may well improve the environment, and
food production.
