Promoting the Production and Utilization of Jatropha Oil in the West Mamprusi District of Northern Region. (GHA/00/043)

Project Details & Results

Jatropha curcas is a drought resistant plant that grows everywhere in Ghana. The nut has a high content of oil which is being piloted as a bio-fuel for rural industries. The project cultivated the jatropha plant and has designed and constructed pilot extraction presses. The oil that will be produced will be used to power small diesel engines such as grinding mills and also used directly in specially designed lamps. The jatropha oil is far less polluting than diesel and kerosene since it burns with little smoke.

Notable Community Participation
ComP

Capacity - Building Component
C-B

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
Slive

Gender Focus
Gend

Project Results
The project has created a jatropha women's group who are processing jatropha oil to run local corn mill and shea butter processing machines. The women groups have been about to cultivate 4 ha jatropha plantation which is harvested and processed for biodeisel to power a local grinding mill owned by the women group. The women also produce the biodiesel as alternative to keroseine and special lanterns have been made to use the oil.

The oil is also used in soap production whilst the cake leftovers are used as orgnaic manure to boost farming in the area.