SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In 1933, Africa accounted for only 0.2% of the world’s natural rubber output. However, an international cartel pushed up prices from 1934, without constraining African producers, and large firms transferred technologies from Asia. From 1942 to 1945, the Japanese having seized most Asian heveas, tapping was intensified, abandoned trees were rescued, and the collection of wild rubber started again (Landolphia, Funtumia, etc.). In 1945, Africa achieved 28% of global production of natural rubber.;Many heveas were also planted, only yielding after 5 to 7 years, but living for 35 to 40 years. After 1945, Asia entered into a period of political crisis, giving an advantage to Africa, especially to Nigerian smallholders. In 1972-74, Africa still produced 6.8% of the world’s natural rubber. However, the synthetic rubber industry grew in the West, Asia overcame its crises, and independence led African states to adopt disastrous economic policies. The surge in oil prices in 1973 hampered synthetic rubber, and stimulated natural rubber in Asia, but Africa was unable to take advantage of this favourable situation.