Publications des agents du Cirad

Cirad

For a new coconut research and development strategy in Vanuatu

Labouisse J.P., Lamanda N., Roupsard O., Rouzière A.. 2004. In : Rethinam Ponniah (ed.). Strategies for enhancing productivity and income of coconut farmers : Proceedings of the XLI Cocotech Meeting, 5-9 July 2004, Santo, Vanuatu. Jakarta : APCC, p. 111-126. Cocotech Meeting. 41, 2004-07-05/2004-07-09, Santo (Vanuatu).

At the end of the 19th century in the New Hebrides archipelago, coconut cultivation geared towards copra production was developed on colonial estates, then from the 1930s onwards by smallholders, who saw it as a means of gaining a foothold in the trading economy. The expansion of coconut plantings transformed farming systems, led to changes in the plants cultivated and resulted in increased dependency on copra exports. The recent drop in copra prices is severely affecting the economy of a Pacific island country like Vanuatu. The production methods and low income derived from a declining commercial crop no longer meet the needs of stakeholders in the coconut commodity chain, and can no longer take up the challenge faced in the coming decades with the increasing requirements of a fast growing population. The country therefore needs to rethink its development strategy, by reconverting its farming systems and seeking new outlets for its coconut-based products. The author present an overview of coconut research achievements and prospects in relation with the development priorities for the coming years. He discusses the possibility of replanting senescent coconut groves on coral terraces, introducing food crops in old coconut plantations, promoting new coconut by-products and the decentralized production of copra oil for use as a biofuel.

Mots-clés : cocos nucifera; système d'exploitation agricole; agroforesterie; biocarburant; histoire; revenu de l'exploitation; coprah; recherche; replantation; culture intercalaire; vanuatu

Communication de congrès

Agents Cirad, auteurs de cette publication :