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Jatropha as a biofuel crop and the economy of appearances: experiences from Kenya

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  • Carol Hunsberger

Abstract

Jatropha curcas , an oilseed shrub, raised hopes that it could produce biofuel in a 'sustainable' manner, though early results fell short of these expectations. Drawing on field research from 2009, this paper examines the political economy of jatropha in Kenya using Tsing's 'economy of appearances' concept. Tsing's observation that start-up enterprises perpetuate 'myth' and 'spectacle' to build momentum fits patterns observed in this case. Jatropha's promoters reinforced an optimistic discourse, defended it against dissent and linked jatropha to global, national and local goals. However, the emergence of stronger critiques raises questions about how long its positive appearances can be maintained.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Hunsberger, 2014. "Jatropha as a biofuel crop and the economy of appearances: experiences from Kenya," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(140), pages 216-231, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:revape:v:41:y:2014:i:140:p:216-231
    DOI: 10.1080/03056244.2013.831753
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    Cited by:

    1. Hunsberger, Carol & German, Laura & Goetz, Ariane, 2017. "“Unbundling” the biofuel promise: Querying the ability of liquid biofuels to deliver on socio-economic policy expectations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 791-805.
    2. Baines, Joseph, 2015. "Price and Income Dynamics in the Agri-Food System: A Disaggregate Perspective," EconStor Theses, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, number 157992, September.
    3. Daum, Thomas & Villalba, Roberto & Anidi, Oluwakayode & Mayienga, Sharon Masakhwe & Gupta, Saurabh & Birner, Regina, 2021. "Uber for tractors? Opportunities and challenges of digital tools for tractor hire in India and Nigeria," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).

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