Introduction: Date Production Status and Prospects in Africa and the Americas

Abstract

Successful future development of date palm depends largely on evaluating, utilizing, and conserving genetic resources; assessing the value of present and potential cultivars; promoting the best cultivation, processing, and marketing practices; and broadening the number of fruit and tree products. The date palm was domesticated at the dawn of agriculture, new technologies were adopted for its cultivation, the palm was dispersed widely by humans and it has become a major world tree crop with the introduction of modern plantations. France, the USA, and international organizations have contributed to date palm development and more recently domestic programs in the larger producing countries. Creating a new international date palm organization to bring together research and development efforts and to serve as a resource center would be beneficial. Date palm cultivation has a long history across North Africa; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia are major world fruit producers. Traditional date cultivation in oases is common, with recent and ongoing expansion of organized plantations. North Africa has potential for increased production given its proximity to existing European markets, but serious pest and disease problems must be overcome. Domestic and international research and development support and familiarity with the crop are assets. In the Sahel and Southern Africa, dates are minor crops but with potential for development to meet domestic demand. Advantages include favorable climatic and soil conditions and lesser pest and disease problems. Similar advantages exist in the Americas. Because they are not included in country chapters, summary accounts of date cultivation in Benin, Kenya, Mexico, and Namibia are provided.