Bioenergy and African transformation
Date
2015-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Among the world’s continents, Africa has the highest incidence of food insecurity and poverty and the highest
rates of population growth. Yet Africa also has the most arable land, the lowest crop yields, and by far the most
plentiful land resources relative to energy demand. It is thus of interest to examine the potential of expanded
modern bioenergy production in Africa. Here we consider bioenergy as an enabler for development, and provide
an overview of modern bioenergy technologies with a comment on application in an Africa context. Experience
with bioenergy in Africa offers evidence of social benefits and also some important lessons. In Brazil, social
development, agricultural development and food security, and bioenergy development have been synergistic
rather than antagonistic. Realizing similar success in African countries will require clear vision, good governance,
and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, and business models to myriad local circumstances. Strategies for
integrated production of food crops, livestock, and bioenergy are potentially attractive and offer an alternative to an
agricultural model featuring specialized land use. If done thoughtfully, there is considerable evidence that food
security and economic development in Africa can be addressed more effectively with modern bioenergy than
without it. Modern bioenergy can be an agent of African transformation, with potential social benefits accruing to
multiple sectors and extending well beyond energy supply per se. Potential negative impacts also cut across
sectors. Thus, institutionally inclusive multi-sector legislative structures will be more effective at maximizing the
social benefits of bioenergy compared to institutionally exclusive, single-sector structures.
Description
CITATION: Lynd, L. R. et al. 2015. Bioenergy and African transformation. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 8(18): doi:10.1186/s13068-014-0188-5.
The original publication is available at http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/8/1/18
The original publication is available at http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/8/1/18
Keywords
Bioenergy, African transformation
Citation
Lynd, L. R. et al. 2015. Bioenergy and African transformation. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 8(18): doi:10.1186/s13068-014-0188-5.