Biofuel - an opportunity for development?

The production on bio-fuel in Africa is so far small, but is increasing rapidly both when it comes to ethanol and bio-diesel. The question now is not if bio-fuel production will come to Africa – it is already here – but rather how it is going to be done.

Decades of contact with small holder farmers and farmer organisations in Africa, have given us the possibility of showing another perspective. We have asked the farmers and the farmer organisations – and the answer is clear. Many African farmers see Bio-fuel as a great opportunity of raising their income. Investments in ethanol production can also give new work possibilities, technical development and reduce the dependence on oil.

The commitment to bio-fuel is risky however. If the production is concentrated to the hands of companies from the rich part of the world, all crops go for export and the cultivation is run as huge mono cultures – history is going to be repeated and Africa can once again loose the power over its own resources.

"Fuel for develpment" is showing that biofuel - done in the right way - could be a way out of powerty for African farmers.

Klick here to read the report