Local perceptions and traditional methods for Carapa procera oil production in Mali

Abstract

Carapa procera is a wild oil tree species traditionally exploited in Mali for seed oil. Carapa oil is highly sought because of therapeutic, cosmetic, insecticidal and repellent properties. The purpose of this work was to contribute to the understanding of local practices in C. procera oil production and local perceptions related thereto. The method used was based on surveys in four production localities and tests of oil production according to the traditional processes practiced by the processors. Two methods of seed storage and oil extraction processes were identified. Women were the main actors in seed collection and oil processing. The average oil extraction efficiency from the seeds was 23.1% and varied among sites. The wet extraction process was the most efficient. In addition to socio-cultural considerations, difficulties related to technology (lack of adequate extraction equipment) and the decrease of carapa populations limit the full development of processing activities. It is necessary to undertake options to improve traditional oil production processes such as education and introduction of shea presses in order to reduce labour intensity, improve efficiency and ensure quality standards. It also requires action for the sustainable management and conservation of the carapa species.

Potential of Unconventional Seed Oils and Fats from West African Trees: A Review of Fatty Acid Composition and Perspectives

“…A sustainable production and sale of Carapa procera oil and other products may contribute to conserve the gallery forest, and locally produced oil could provide significant socio-economic benefits to local people (Dembélé et al, 2015). However, traditional production processes must be improved in order to reduce labor and ensure quality standards (Dembélé et al, 2019). There is a small international market for cosmetic products, but most production is currently for local use.…”

“…Oil extraction by traditionally based (but technically improved) sustainable procedures could be a credible alternative to systematic falling of trees. There is, however, room for improvement, as traditional extraction methods in most cases are cumbersome and do not meet hygienic standards (Dembélé et al, 2019). For that reason, oil seeds such as shea are currently often exported for production outside Africa.…”

“…In West Africa, oils are traditionally, and until today, extracted by women, who extract the oil from locally collected seeds that are boiled, shelled, and crushed into a paste through labor‐intensive multiple‐step processes (Dembélé et al, 2019; Tiétiiambou et al, 2021). Increased production and marketing could generate income for women with otherwise few economic opportunities.…”

Analyse organisationnelle et économique de la chaine de valeur du savon produit artisanalement à partir d’huile de Carapa procera DC. au Burkina Faso

“…Dans la CV du savon, les savoir-faire techniques requis à la base pour que l'offre d'huile brute soit de qualité sont limités. Les huiles produites localement ne sont pas extraites suivant un standard, de sorte qu'elles sont de couleur variable (Dembélé et al, 2019), contiennent souvent des impuretés et ne sont pas conditionnées de façon appropriée. Les rendements de l'extraction de l'huile des graines de C. procera sont relativement faibles à cause des pertes de matière au cours du processus.…”

“…Les rendements de l'extraction de l'huile des graines de C. procera sont relativement faibles à cause des pertes de matière au cours du processus. Ce rendement d'extraction de l'huile par les transformatrices au Mali a été estimé à 23,1 % (Dembélé et al, 2019). Au niveau fonctionnel, les systèmes formels d'information sur les marchés sont faibles à cause de l'absence d'une bonne organisation des acteurs des différents maillons.…”