An investigation of the Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts Biofuel Production in Africa and a comparison of Jatropha and Palm-oil

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Significance of the study2

Layout of the Dissertation3

CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Introduction4

Biofuels4

First Generation4

Second Generation5

Third Generation6

Fourth Generation6

Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of Biofuels7

Comparison of Jatropha and Palm-Oil8

CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY10

Introduction10

Research Method10

Overview of the Secondary Research Method10

Justification of the Chosen Research11

WORKS CITED12

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The current shift in the amount of the investments and production of biofuels is determined by examining some of the economic, geopolitical, ecological and social advantages involved. These advantages range from preserving the planet's future, solution to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by fossil fuels. Biofuels are also sources of renewable energy, obtained from the combustion of many raw materials of plant and animal. As a result of these advantages, the countries that have key consumers and producers are establishing policies for providing incentives to the industry (Von Braun, p. 2).  On the other hand, some analysts and the stakeholders of industry continue to proclaim ecological and social advantages of biofuels.

However, substantial amount of information from research companies and civil society shows that questions are raised against these advantages (Abila, p. 387). It is remarkable to know that the benefits and the associated costs are different for business models, landscapes as well as commodities. It can be observed that there is a difference in the derived and associated impacts to the Jatropha cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa with respect to oil palm in Indonesia. Both of these counties are moving forward with expansion in terms of industrial-scale production and smallholders models, although many of these dissimilarities sometimes go unnoticed.

The surges in the production and investments of biofuels have been driven by multiple economic, environmental and social benefits and this in-turn has driven the consumer and producer countries to establish policies for providing incentives to the industry (Goldsmith and Hirsch, p. 103). The stakeholders of the industry as well as some analysts have declared some of the environmental and social implications (both positive and negative) of biofuels (Spiertz and Ewert, p. 281). The costs and benefits have been varying between models of business, commodities and landscapes. The impacts of cultivating palm oil and Jatropha are different for both, for example, oil palm in Indonesia and cultivation of Jatropha in sub-Saharan Africa have both rendered either positive or negative outcomes (African Biodiversity Network, p. 12). This research study has focused on the comparison of palm oil and Jatropha and their social, economic and environmental impacts on African countries.

Research Questions

The research aspires to critically investigate the social, economic and environmental impacts of biofuel production in Africa and draw an astute comparison between Jatorpha and Palm oil. Considering the motive behind the study, the research study will address the below outlined research questions.

What are the social, economic and environmental impacts of biofuel production in Africa?

What are the social, economic and environmental aspects in the production of Jatorpha and Palm-oil (using specific case studies - ...