FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE: PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF IRVINGIA FRUIT PULP IN YENAGOA, NIGERIA

Irvingia species (commonly known as bush mango) are indigenous, multipurpose tree species native to West and Central Africa, valued primarily for their kernels which are traditionally used as soup thickeners and flavoring agents. While the kernels have historically received the most economic and nutritional attention, recent studies have highlighted the fruit pulp as an underutilized resource rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. The pulp of Irvingia gabonensis (the sweet variety) is widely consumed as a dessert fruit and has been reported as a suitable raw material for producing jam, jelly, and juice. Additionally, the pulp and peel residues have potential applications as livestock feed, thereby broadening the species’ relevance beyond household consumption to agro-industrial uses. Despite these emerging uses, the fruit pulp is often discarded during kernel extraction, generating significant agricultural waste. This presents both an environmental concern and a missed opportunity for value addition within local and global food systems. Harnessing Irvingia fruit pulp waste for industrial processing could provide raw materials for food manufacturing industries while supporting sustainable waste management and local economic development. This study assesses the yearly production and utilization of Irvingia fruit pulp waste in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, with the aim of quantifying its availability and exploring its potential for industrial applications. Findings are expected to underscore the economic importance of Irvingia spp beyond kernel extraction and highlight opportunities for investment in value-added processing. By documenting the scale of pulp waste generation and its current uses, this research contributes to strategies that can transform agricultural by-products into valuable resources, reduce environmental burden, and enhance livelihood opportunities in Nigeria and across West Africa.