Forest-dependent communities in Ghana and Zambia see long-term economic opprotunities in large-scale production of biofuels, such as jatropha. Photo Tom Rulkens/Flickr.com
By Angela Dewan
The great biofuel debate is still going, and it looks like it may be here to stay for some time.
In political contexts, there has been great focus on whether biofuels will actually reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. The United States, for example, is one major driver of biofuel production, with ambitious biofuel targets for the next decade.
Biofuel production companies there argue that the industry will create lucrative market opportunities for its farmers. Some US scientists accuse these companies of exaggerating job creation figures.
While these companies and politicians debate, and scientists try to measure the potential costs and benefits of this burgeoning industry, communities that are likely to grow biofuel crops in Africa and Asia are surprisingly positive about perceived opportunities. (more…)
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