Who we are

The World Conservation Union (IUCN), Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and Unilever, together with a number of African regional organisations (NGO’s, research institutes, local- and national government) and donors, are undertaking a project that promotes development, poverty alleviation and biodiversity in the African tropical forest belt. Together they have formed a partnership to extract an edible oil from the seeds of an indigenous Allanblackia tree on a commercial scale that could replace the oil of palm in the manufacture of products like margarine and soaps. The Allanblackia tree is commonly found in parts of West, Central and East Africa. It grows primarily in tropical rainforests, but can also be found in farmland areas.

The partners are helping and encouraging local communities and small businesses to cultivate the seeds for extraction of oil. The project has the potential to annually generate income for the poorest homes in its native range. From the point of view of the conservation of the biological diversity, the sustainable wild harvest of the seeds of Allanblackia can become an important incentive specially so that the local communities maintain and improve the integrity of the resource. The project is also helping to achieve greater sustainability in the region by using Allanblackia trees where previously “slash and burn” methods have been practiced and diversifying existing system. The guaranteed market will ensure long-term economic viability of the project whilst the planting of trees will positively affect the environment. This initiative is dubbed the Novella Africa.

Our Mission

To domesticate and conserve the genetic resources of Allanblackia species for sustainable economic, ecological and social benefits of present and future generations. For more information on conservation and biodiveristy aspects of the tree, click here.