Just 0.2 hectares of land planted with 35 coconut palms produces enough dry leaves, spathes and hard shells to supply the entire annual fuel requirement of a family of five: around three tonnes of material. And all 35 coconut palms are always still there. This is good because people in the tropics use virtually everything that comes from the coconut palm. You could almost call them family members.

Dr Antonio Martins coco guarantees an additional income for small farmers …