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Bioenergy project appraisal in sub‐Saharan Africa: Sustainability barriers and opportunities in Zambia

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  • Ian Duvenage
  • Ros Taplin
  • Lindsay Stringer

Abstract

Although there is continuing debate surrounding biofuel cultivation (especially in developing nations) in relation to issues of exploitation, land grabbing, poverty alleviation and energy security, there is a lack of empirical evidence to assess how these debates are playing out in practice on the ground. Drawing on political ecology discourse, this paper examines case studies of biofuel production in Zambia and the effects they have on environmental and social sustainability. During April and May 2011, data were collected on two case study projects involving Jatrophacurcas feedstock cultivation in Zambia. Semi‐structured interviews were used to ascertain views from affected stakeholders (local farmers, local environmental, social, and agronomic experts, and investors) on the biofuel projects and their environmental and social impacts. The findings suggest that the uneven distribution of costs and benefits are brought about by imbalances in knowledge, access to resources and the allocation of social and political influence (often associated with broader discourses of development), and this provides a likely rationale for a lack of sustainability in biofuel projects. Drawing on these viewpoints, as well as on field observations, this paper outlines the barriers and opportunities linked to Jatrophacurcas project sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Duvenage & Ros Taplin & Lindsay Stringer, 2012. "Bioenergy project appraisal in sub‐Saharan Africa: Sustainability barriers and opportunities in Zambia," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 36(3), pages 167-180, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:36:y:2012:i:3:p:167-180
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2012.01453.x
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    1. Janssen, Rainer & Rutz, Dominik Damian, 2011. "Sustainability of biofuels in Latin America: Risks and opportunities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 5717-5725, October.
    2. Lindsay Stringer, 2009. "Reviewing the links between desertification and food insecurity: from parallel challenges to synergistic solutions," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 1(2), pages 113-126.
    3. Amigun, Bamikole & Musango, Josephine Kaviti & Stafford, William, 2011. "Biofuels and sustainability in Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 1360-1372, February.
    4. Mersie Ejigu, 2008. "Toward energy and livelihoods security in Africa: Smallholder production and processing of bioenergy as a strategy," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 32(2), pages 152-162, May.
    5. World Bank, 2009. "Environmental Crisis or Sustainable Development Opportunity? Transforming the Charcoal Sector in Tanzania : A Policy Note," World Bank Publications - Reports 18603, The World Bank Group.
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    1. Ismail Gannan & Hussam Kubaji & Workson Siwale & Stefan Frodeson & G. Venkatesh, 2023. "Streamlined Social Footprint Analysis of the Nascent Bio-Pellet Sub-Sector in Zambia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, March.

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