Status Report on Global Neem Usage - Gtz

2. GLOBAL NEEM DISSEMINATION AND USAGEcountries neem raw material such as oil and leaves are found in various cosmetic products,such as hair tonic, shampoo, body lotion, skin cream, face cleansing milk, alcoholic facetonic or cleansing pads.- Shade Tree, Erosion Protection, Timber Production and Forestry (1, 13, 15, 19, 21, 28)In almost all regions where neem grows, it is highly appreciated as a shade tree, very oftenplanted in cities, village gardens and along avenues. Its broad crown and dense foliageprovide people and animals alike with an ideal shady place that is generally avoided by irksomeinsects. In many areas in Africa women choose to conduct their daily chores in theshade of neem trees.Thanks to neem’s minimal ecological demands on soil and water, millions of trees have beenplanted to protect against erosion. This is the case in many Sahel countries and theCaribbean where extensive neem-tree planting was carried out so as to combat soil degenerationand to halt the onward march of desertification.In many African countries the neem tree is used primarily for firewood. It grows in semi-arid,tropical climates very quickly, thus allowing timber to be harvested without jeopardising thetree's existence. Older trees can be used by the construction trade and the furniture industry.Neem wood is especially suitable for windows and doors, since it is resistant to termites. Inrural regions, it is also used for simple furniture like chairs and tables.- Non-synthetic PesticideBiological pest control, one of the key topics of this study, is described in more detail inChapter 3.- Stock Protection (13, 15, 19)One of neem's traditional usages is in stock protection. In India leaves have been placedamongst stored grain for many years now; indeed, entire stock rooms and barns have beenlined with neem leaves, thus enabling stock to be stored free from pests for 3-6 months.Small cotton bags containing dried neem leaves and other herbs e.g. lavender flowers havebecome available on the market in Germany to repel moths in food and clothes.Neem oil has proven to be very effective against grain weevils on beans and other types ofleguminous plants. Beans mixed with small quantities of oil can be kept pest-free for at leastsix months, whereby neither taste nor germinative capacity are affected. However care hasto be taken that the neem oil is free of Aflatoxin.Nowadays jute sacks are also treated with neem oil or neem extracts prior to filling, to keeppests at bay.- Soil Additives, Fertilisers and Control of Soil-borne Pests (2, 13, 15, 19)Neem press cakes from seeds whose oil has been removed are particularly suitable as soiladditives, positively affecting soil structure, soil organisms and plant growth in a variety ofways. The press cake is an organic form of soil enrichment and fertilisation. Together with13