Ivory Coast: Man – Rubber Tree Plantations

Côte d’Ivoire is Africa’s largest producer of natural rubber and ranks among the top producers globally. Rubber cultivation in the country began in the 1950s, during the colonial period, and then expanded rapidly in the late 20th century due to government support and growing international demand. Originally from Brazil, the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) thrives in Côte d’Ivoire’s tropical conditions. Trees are tapped for their latex, which accumulates in small buckets – it’s quite pungent and smelly! Unlike pooper neighbors, • Côte d’Ivoire has invested significantly in rubber processing facilities to add value before export.