A new study published in Environmental Research: Food Systems by Descals et al. sheds light on just how widespread these overlooked palms are. By analysing more than 11,800 high-resolution satellite images, the researchers found 6.5 million hectares of non-plantation oil palm across Africa; over three times the area of all commercial plantations combined. These hidden palms, interspersed among other crops and land uses, are difficult to identify, but the study documented them in more than half of West African villages, and in nearly 80% of villages across the Congo Basin.

Now, this is important, but not necessarily for the reasons you may think. Of course, this large area of undocumented plantation could raise alarm bells for sustainable crop management, which Descals et al. discuss in their study, but it also demonstrates the role of palm outside of the export market, as a staple domestic food crop.

Unrefined “red palm oil” is a vital source of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins in regions where diets are otherwise limited. Fats are calorie-dense, low-cost, and essential for growth and energy. Researchers have long spoken of a “fat gap” in African diets. This gap refers to the insufficient intake of dietary fats and oils, especially healthy fats, relative to recommended levels. The estimates are based on international data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, but these do not include smallholder production. The hidden reservoir of smallholder palms, described by Descals and colleagues, suggests the shortage may not be as severe as once feared.

Palm oil’s role in nutrition is often misrepresented in global debates. Public discourse frequently focuses on its environmental footprint or alleged health risks, but evidence tells a more nuanced story. A 2025 study by Slavin, Meijaard, and Sheil argues that the impacts of dietary fats depend on food source and dietary context. While industrial trans-fats are consistently harmful, the effects of saturated fats vary, and unsaturated fats, especially omega-3s, are clearly beneficial. The authors caution against blanket restrictions, noting that fats also serve functional, cultural, and economic roles. In reality, undernutrition and obesity coexist globally in a widening “fat gap,” underscoring the need for context-specific approaches that ensure both adequate access and healthy diets.

Beyond nutrition, these smallholder palms are economic assets. They support millions of rural families with flexible sources of food and income. Palm fruit can be processed locally, often by women who rely on these activities for household earnings. Unlike plantation systems dominated by corporate actors, non-plantation palms are deeply embedded in community livelihoods and traditions. Supporting responsible smallholder production in Africa could strengthen food security and rural economies without replicating the negative impacts associated with industrial expansion in Southeast Asia.

Still, challenges remain. Growing demand could incentivise poorly managed expansion, threatening forests and biodiversity. Encouragingly, oil palm’s naturally high yields mean that, if cultivated responsibly, it can produce more oil on less land than many alternatives. Targeted policies, investment, and research could help ensure that existing smallholder systems are managed sustainably, safeguarding both forests and food supplies.

These findings challenge the dominant narrative about palm oil. Beyond plantations and export markets lies a more complex reality, one where millions of scattered palms sustain households, supplement diets, and provide local employment. Recognising this side of the story opens space for policies that value food security and rural resilience alongside environmental goals.

For African communities, these palms are not just trees in the landscape but an everyday safety net. For international audiences, including policymakers and consumers in Italy, understanding this dimension can help shift the conversation from vilification to partnership. Supporting responsible smallholder systems could strengthen livelihoods, safeguard forests, and ensure that palm oil continues to play its vital role in African food cultures and economies.

*Emily Meijaard is Scientific Writer and Communications Officer at Borneo Futures Sdn Bhd.

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