Oil Palm: A Global History

Oil palms are grown in every tropical country and supply the world with more edible fat than any other plant. They were first brought to the global stage in the holds of slave ships, became a quintessential commodity in the Industrial Revolution, and were promoted by the World Bank as a panacea to rural development in Southeast Asia. Jonathan E. Robins' book tells the story of the oil palm across multiple centuries and continents, demonstrating how it became a key commodity in the story of global capitalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

Oil palms, ubiquitous in nearly every tropical country, hold a remarkable significance in supplying the world with an abundance of edible fat. These versatile plants play a vital role in a wide range of packaged products, spanning from lipstick and soap to margarine and cookies. As Jonathan E. Robins reveals in his insightful book, sweeping social transformations have propelled the oil palm across the globe. Initially introduced to the world through the holds of slave ships, palm oil emerged as a quintessential commodity during the Industrial Revolution. Imperialists, driven by their quest for cheap fat, exerted control over Africa's oil palm landscapes, exploiting the hardworking people who toiled there.

In the 20th century, the World Bank promoted oil palm agriculture as a solution to rural development in Southeast Asia. However, as plantation companies embarked on the destruction of rainforests, forcibly evicting farmers in the name of progress, the oil palm's dominance continued to soar. This rise sparked new controversies surrounding trade, land, labor rights, human health, and the environment.

By tracing the history of the oil palm across multiple centuries and continents, Robins vividly illustrates how the fruits of an African palm tree have become integral to the narrative of global capitalism. This journey begins in the eras of slavery and imperialism, persists through decolonization, and extends to the present day. Through his comprehensive analysis, Robins sheds light on the complex web of economic, social, and environmental factors that have shaped the oil palm's journey, highlighting its profound impact on societies and the environment.

Weight: 834g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469662886