In Tanzania, the Allanblackia tree may hold the key to increased prosperity. Research indicates that oil from its seeds can be used as a substitute for palm oil in products such as margarine and soap. With Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods group, guaranteeing the market for the seeds at a pre-set price, the tree could one day generate income and employment for local farmers.

This is the idea behind a joint project in which Unilever is working with the World Conservation Union, the Netherlands Development Organisation and The World Agro-forestry Centre through the United Nations Development Programme’s Growing Sustainable Business initiative.