We are committed to investing in local applied research and development in Mozambique to improve agricultural techniques and Jatropha seeds. The R&D will be used to enhance the productivity and the profitability of both Kijani Energy / Odeveza and the smallholder farmers associated with us, and the programme will be led by an internationally recognized research institution in co-operation with local research centres.

 

We are currently is in discussions with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (“CSIR”) of South Africa for the development of a comprehensive research program and has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Instituto Superior Agrário de Chimoio (“IAC”) to research plant materials within the local microclimate. Additionally, we have established a strong relationship with the Universidade Católica de Moçambique and its Geography Information Service to research areas with ideal soil conditions for the cultivation of Jatropha. Lastly, we have reached out to various researchers from Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and India to establish research linkages that will bear fruit in the years to come.

 

All these initiatives in the area of research and development at this early stage of the company’s life showcase our desire to be at the forefront of the technological advancements concerned with Jatropha, its agronomy, gene structure and cultivation techniques. These initiatives also highlight the company’s goal of building local research capacity in Mozambique. Most importantly, in working with public institutions like IAC and UCM, we hope to widely disseminate best practices to the smallholder farmers in Mozambique to improve productivity and yields across the board.