Date palm status and perspective in Djibouti

Abstract

Djibouti has acquired date palm genetic resources by successive introductions of cultivars originating from neighboring countries. The most common cultivars grown are Beladi, Harissa, Ambabo, Sheeri, Oumo-Assala, Medjool, Zahidi, and Khadrawy. Four different categories of groves are found in the country. In the oasis gardens developed on the edges of the wadis in the southeastern and northern coastal plains, date palms are propagated from seeds and offshoots. In the inland continental plains, an agropastoral system combining the growing of crops and pasturage is practiced. Date palm groves at higher elevations are spread along the wadis close to volcanic structures in the mountainous zones of the North. Lastly, pilot date palm farms were established a few years ago and tissue culture-derived date palms were planted in these sites where water and good alluvial soil are available. There is an increasing demand for dates within the country. Domestic production estimated at 541 mt nationwide cannot cover the needs of the local market. To meet this demand, Djibouti imports about 400 mt of dates per year. Despite numerous constraints which prevent the development of date palm cultivation in Djibouti, the country is rich in genetic resource. The expanding date palm sector should be aided by complementary training for farmers to improve date production.