Côte d’Ivoire has significant potential for utilizing agricultural residues in the cashew, cassava, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber value chains in a productive and responsible way. This is the main conclusion of the study Biomass potential in Côte d’Ivoire that Partners for Innovation performed on behalf of the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs.

This study examined the availability, characteristics, and potential applications of by-products from these value chains. In the study seven residual streams were identified as very promising. Some of these byproducts such as cashew shells, cassava peelings and cocoa bean shells are to some extent already utilized efficiently as cattle feed, fertilizer or co-firing feedstock. A considerable amount of residues, like cashew apples, Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and rubber felling residues and seeds, is left untreated, sometimes causing environmental, human health, and safety risks.

The technical potential for beneficiation of several of these biomass streams is evident. Locally available infrastructure, market conditions, and skillsets are yet to be optimized to ensure the technical potential of these by-products is exploited further.

The study demonstrates opportunities for strengthening local knowledge and sector development and has identified potential business opportunities for Dutch technology and knowledge providers.

Download the study Biomass potential in Côte d’Ivoire

For more information about this study contact Peter Karsch. For more information about sustainable bioenergy visit this page.

With this project we contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations: