An Analysis of the Importance of Oil Palm Tree in Central and Southern Nigeria

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Abstract

The oil palm tree (Elaeisguineensis) is widely grown in Nigeria and much of West and Central Africa. Aside from its edibility which enhances the body's immune system, its by-products are useful for a variety of purposes well beyond what was known in previous centuries. These by-products also serve as raw materials for the pharmaceutical and transportation industries. The massive production of oil palm trees also enhances green belt vegetation and therefore it is relevant for climate change mitigation. This chapter examines the modern economic potential of this plant and its prospect in the global sustainable development project. Data is drawn from the archives and other primary sources as well as necessary secondary materials that were reconstructed to fit into modern sustainable economic development.

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Achoba, F. (2022). An Analysis of the Importance of Oil Palm Tree in Central and Southern Nigeria. In: Wamboye, E.F., Fayissa, B. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Africa’s Economic Sectors. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75556-0_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75556-0_8

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-75555-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-75556-0

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