This document summarizes a research paper on the potential for biofuel production and economic development in Africa through the use of biotechnology. It discusses how several African countries are exploring biofuel production from crops like sugarcane, Jatropha, and sorghum to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support sustainable development. While genetically modified crops are controversial, the paper argues they could increase food production. Biofuels have potential to boost energy security and rural development through crop-based industries. South Africa has emerged as a leader in both biofuel and biotech industries in Africa.
The document summarizes the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GPA). It was adopted by FAO in 2011 to address new challenges to plant genetic resources like climate change, increasing food insecurity, and loss of diversity. The GPA's 18 priorities call for greater emphasis on in situ and ex situ conservation, expanding characterization and use of resources in plant breeding, and promoting sustainable agriculture through crop diversity. Successful implementation requires concerted action and funding from national programs and international cooperation between governments, organizations, and other stakeholders.
The document discusses Africa's policy issues regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. It outlines the challenges Africa faces from climate change as a vulnerable continent that contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions. It describes various programs and policies Africa is implementing to address climate change impacts on agriculture, including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Africa Bio-Carbon Initiative. The document argues these programs can help adaptation by promoting sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration, while linking mitigation strategies to their goals.
High yielding and disease resistant chickpea varieties released in EthiopiaTropical Legumes III
Three new chickpea varieties with higher yields, disease resistance, and early maturity were released for production in high-altitude areas of Ethiopia. The varieties were developed through collaboration between ICARDA, EIAR, and ICRISAT. Breeding lines for the varieties came from ICRISAT and ICARDA. The varieties showed improved yields compared to standard and local varieties currently grown in the region. The new varieties are expected to improve food security and incomes for farmers in Ethiopia.
1. Plantains are a major staple crop in Cameroon but have low productivity and are affected by diseases and pests. The African Centre for Bananas and Plantain Research (CARBAP) has developed improved technologies to address these problems.
2. CARBAP has developed high-yielding varieties, agronomic practices, and strategies to combat diseases and pests. These technologies have been disseminated nationwide, improving food security and incomes for many farmers.
3. Over 600,000 farmers have adopted the technologies, which are considered a best practice due to addressing a key food crop, developing technologies suited to different regions, and partnerships facilitating regional cooperation.
The two-day consultation focused on developing cassava as a potential biofuel and bioenergy crop. Over the course of presentations and discussions, participants sought to:
1) Identify high sugar cassava varieties that could be competitive biofuel feedstocks and develop a research program around their production and processing.
2) Explore opportunities for small-scale cassava processing for local bioenergy provision and developing regional bioethanol markets.
3) Define a breeding program and research agenda to establish cassava as a competitive biofuel crop, addressing issues around agronomy, disease control, and technology transfer.
4) Outline policy frameworks and business models to optimize national strategies for effective smallholder participation in biofuel production
- In 2010, global adoption of biotech crops reached 148 million hectares, a 10% increase over 2009, with 29 countries now growing biotech crops. The US, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada led in biotech crop cultivation.
- Biotech crops have provided significant economic and environmental benefits since 1996, including increased farmer income totaling $65 billion, higher crop yields on existing farmland helping to preserve biodiversity, and reductions in pesticide use and CO2 emissions.
- Looking ahead to 2014-2015, new biotech crops with traits like drought tolerance and improved nutrition are expected to launch, along with greater cultivation in Asia and developing countries, helping to address future challenges of climate change
Fourth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III)...Tropical Legumes III
This is fourth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and jointly implemented by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in close collaboration with partners in the national agricultural research systems (NARS) of target countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. TL III aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas of the two regions through enhanced productivity and production of grain legumes.
The document summarizes the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GPA). It was adopted by FAO in 2011 to address new challenges to plant genetic resources like climate change, increasing food insecurity, and loss of diversity. The GPA's 18 priorities call for greater emphasis on in situ and ex situ conservation, expanding characterization and use of resources in plant breeding, and promoting sustainable agriculture through crop diversity. Successful implementation requires concerted action and funding from national programs and international cooperation between governments, organizations, and other stakeholders.
The document discusses Africa's policy issues regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. It outlines the challenges Africa faces from climate change as a vulnerable continent that contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions. It describes various programs and policies Africa is implementing to address climate change impacts on agriculture, including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Africa Bio-Carbon Initiative. The document argues these programs can help adaptation by promoting sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration, while linking mitigation strategies to their goals.
High yielding and disease resistant chickpea varieties released in EthiopiaTropical Legumes III
Three new chickpea varieties with higher yields, disease resistance, and early maturity were released for production in high-altitude areas of Ethiopia. The varieties were developed through collaboration between ICARDA, EIAR, and ICRISAT. Breeding lines for the varieties came from ICRISAT and ICARDA. The varieties showed improved yields compared to standard and local varieties currently grown in the region. The new varieties are expected to improve food security and incomes for farmers in Ethiopia.
1. Plantains are a major staple crop in Cameroon but have low productivity and are affected by diseases and pests. The African Centre for Bananas and Plantain Research (CARBAP) has developed improved technologies to address these problems.
2. CARBAP has developed high-yielding varieties, agronomic practices, and strategies to combat diseases and pests. These technologies have been disseminated nationwide, improving food security and incomes for many farmers.
3. Over 600,000 farmers have adopted the technologies, which are considered a best practice due to addressing a key food crop, developing technologies suited to different regions, and partnerships facilitating regional cooperation.
The two-day consultation focused on developing cassava as a potential biofuel and bioenergy crop. Over the course of presentations and discussions, participants sought to:
1) Identify high sugar cassava varieties that could be competitive biofuel feedstocks and develop a research program around their production and processing.
2) Explore opportunities for small-scale cassava processing for local bioenergy provision and developing regional bioethanol markets.
3) Define a breeding program and research agenda to establish cassava as a competitive biofuel crop, addressing issues around agronomy, disease control, and technology transfer.
4) Outline policy frameworks and business models to optimize national strategies for effective smallholder participation in biofuel production
- In 2010, global adoption of biotech crops reached 148 million hectares, a 10% increase over 2009, with 29 countries now growing biotech crops. The US, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada led in biotech crop cultivation.
- Biotech crops have provided significant economic and environmental benefits since 1996, including increased farmer income totaling $65 billion, higher crop yields on existing farmland helping to preserve biodiversity, and reductions in pesticide use and CO2 emissions.
- Looking ahead to 2014-2015, new biotech crops with traits like drought tolerance and improved nutrition are expected to launch, along with greater cultivation in Asia and developing countries, helping to address future challenges of climate change
Fourth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III)...Tropical Legumes III
This is fourth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III) project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and jointly implemented by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in close collaboration with partners in the national agricultural research systems (NARS) of target countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. TL III aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas of the two regions through enhanced productivity and production of grain legumes.
Fifth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III) ...Tropical Legumes III
The Tropical Legumes III project aims to improve lives of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia through increased grain legume productivity and production. The project is a 10-year initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by ICRISAT, CIAT, IITA, and national agricultural research systems of target countries. The third phase (TL III) seeks to build upon the achievements of the previous two phases with a focus on fewer legumes (chickpea, cowpea, common bean, groundnut) and geographies. The annual TL III meeting was held alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes conference in Zambia, where progress was reviewed and future
TL III convenes its annual meeting alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes and World Cowpea Conference:Grain legumes are a key source of nitrogenrich edible seeds, providing a wide variety of high-protein products and constituting a major source of dietary protein in the diets of the poor in most parts of SSA. Their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen makes legumes excellent components within the various farming systems. Against this backdrop most developmental partners (including ICRISAT) are pushing the legume agenda forward. The TL III project, lead by ICRISAT, is built directly pon the outputs and momentum of Tropical Legumes I (TL I) and Tropical Legumes II (TL II) projects, but is strategically focused on fewer legumes (chickpea, cowpea, common bean and groundnut) and fewer geographies (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and India’s Uttar Pradesh). With the focus on firming up country work plans, the TL III community convened its first annual meeting at a very opportune time alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes and World Cowpea Conference [one of the signature events of 2016 International Year of Pulses (declared by the 68th UN General Assembly as “International Year of Pulses”)], during 28 February - 4 March, 2016. The conference was held under the theme “Sustainable grain legume systems for food, income and nutrition security in a rapidly changing environment” and thereafter TL III annual meeting provided a platform for all project implementers to review the progress made under TL III and the way forward to ensure the project achieves its desired goal.
The 1st Ever All Africa Congress on Biotechnology was held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 22-26, 2008 with over 400 delegates from 39 countries discussing harnessing biotechnology for food security and development in Africa. [2] Key outcomes included the Nairobi Declaration supporting Africa's adoption of agricultural biotechnology, and recommendations to establish regional biotechnology programs and an African Biotechnology Trust Fund to coordinate efforts. [3] Future plans outlined convening another congress in 2-3 years and strengthening the Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa to advance biotechnology on the continent.
CFU-Tanzania conducted a survey of tractor service providers (TSPs) in 5 districts to develop a sustainable private sector for minimum tillage mechanization. The survey found that while there are many tractors, most are old with low horsepower. TSPs have limited skills, financial access, and awareness of conservation agriculture. CFU-Tanzania is training TSPs, linking them to equipment and loans, and promoting conservation agriculture. Their goals are to further train farmers and TSPs, facilitate equipment acquisition, and create an enabling environment for the private sector to support minimum tillage services.
This document discusses the objectives and implementation challenges of agreements related to access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. It notes that while the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to balance conservation, access, and benefit sharing, agreements like TRIPS prioritize stimulating innovation through intellectual property rights. Two theoretical perspectives are discussed - realism, where power determines outcomes, and norm diffusion, where international cooperation spreads standards. Several cases are presented that support both views. Overall, there are conflicts between protecting intellectual property, ensuring equitable access and benefit sharing, and incentivizing conservation that challenge unified implementation of these diverging objectives.
The document discusses the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It provides a history of the treaty and summarizes its key provisions, including the establishment of a Multilateral System to facilitate access to plant genetic resources and benefit sharing, recognition of Farmers' Rights, and promotion of sustainable use. It also discusses India's national programs and policies related to plant genetic resource management and regional/international collaboration on conservation and use of plant genetic resources.
Participants witness the huge impact of improved agri-technologies on farmers...Tropical Legumes III
The document discusses a meeting of the ICRISAT Governing Board in Zimbabwe that focused on strengthening partnerships to address the drought crisis affecting smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The meeting highlighted the need for science-based solutions and a country strategy from ICRISAT that promotes more drought-resistant and nutritious crops like sorghum, groundnuts, chickpeas and pigeonpeas. ICRISAT is pursuing new market opportunities and climate-resilient practices for small grains to improve food security and livelihoods in Zimbabwe.
Cassava farmers' perception of cassava initiative implication for cassava tr...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on cassava farmers' perceptions of a cassava initiative in Nigeria. Some key findings include:
1) The study assessed 290 cassava farmers who had been members of a cassava growers association for at least 10 years.
2) Most respondents were male (72.8%), married (76.9%) with a mean age of 48.4 years. Many relied on farming as their primary income (65.5%) and had at least a secondary education (53.8%).
3) The cassava initiative was favorably perceived by 55.2% of respondents. Respondents felt issues like training on export quality standards and subsidized agrochemicals needed
Cassava, a 21st Century Staple Crop: How can Nigeria Harness its Enormous Tra...Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
Nigeria possesses enormous potentials in the agricultural sector especially in the cassava sub-sector. This paper reviews the cassava production, consumption and utilization along its value chain globally. The paper focuses on Nigeria’s cassava trade outlook and how it can compete favourably with other exporting nations while examining its prospects, strategies for development and challenges the cassava sub-sector is facing in recent time. Cassava production in Nigeria reached the highest level with an estimated value of 59 million and accounted for 20.4% world share in 2017. Egypt is the only African country ranked among the top ten highest exporters of cassava in the world with export value of $20.7 million and also the highest cassava exporter in Africa even though not among the highest producers of cassava in Africa and globally. Cassava is unarguably the most important root crop in Nigeria in terms of consumption. As the highest producer of cassava in the world, Nigeria recorded a small total export value ($1.25million) when compared to other leading producers like Thailand with highest export value of $1.19billion in 2017. Nigeria and the rest of African nations are
yet to harness the great trade possibilities in the cassava sub-sector when compared to other regions (like Asia and North America) of the world.
Presentation given by Pierre du Plassis, SADC Secretariat, at the Mutual Implementation of the Plant Treaty and the Nagoya Protocol Workshop, Addis Ababa, November 16th.
The role of university is not to train students to become farmers but agricultural scientists. Students are therefore taught the Art, Science and Business of Agriculture so that they can recreate opportunities for farmers and other participants in agricultural value chain.
The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) aims to harness the potential of root, tuber and banana crops to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods for 200 million people in developing countries. These crops include potatoes, sweetpotatoes, cassava, yams, bananas and plantains. They are important staple crops in Sub-Saharan Africa that are often grown by women and marginalized groups. RTB crops can produce high yields of calories per hectare and some varieties provide vitamins and minerals. They are also important cash crops and can be used to make processed products, which adds value. While facing common challenges like perishability, RTB crops also have
AU Policies and Decisions for the Use of STI in the Implementation of a Susta...Francois Stepman
Jeremy Tinga OUEDRAOGO
Head of the NEPAD Regional Office for West Africa
Director of the African Biosafety Network of Expertise - ABNE
30 - 31 August 2018. Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium. IPBO conference 2018: “Scientific innovation for a sustainable development of African agriculture”
Exploiting untapped potential of roots,tubers and bananas to improve nutrition and food security,increase income generation,foster improved livelihoods for women, youth, children &
other vulnerable groups for global food security.
This document summarizes key lessons from the US corn ethanol value chain that could inform the development of biofuel industries in other countries. It discusses the US ethanol industry structure, profit margins supported by corn byproducts, and factors influencing the location of biorefineries. The document also examines jatropha-based biodiesel value chains and compares different feedstock options. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of securing a stable biomass supply and implementing policies to reduce risks for farmers.
Seventh bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III...Tropical Legumes III
This bulletin focusses on the progress made under objective four: enhancing common bean productivity and production in focus geographies of sub-Saharan Africa, during year one of
phase III implementation.
This presentation discusses the evolution of developing country agriculture from the "Green Revolution" period to the emerging use of the "Gene Revolution" technologies.
Use of Jatropha Curcas Oil as Raw Material and Fuel: An Integrated Approach R...QZ1
The document discusses experiences from a Jatropha project in Mali, West Africa. The central hypothesis is that the Jatropha system creates positive reciprocity between raw material/energy production and food production/the environment without producing wastes. Specifically, the more Jatropha hedges produce raw material/energy, the more food crops are protected from animals and erosion. The system also creates additional income, mainly for women. The Jatropha project integrated using Jatropha oil as a fuel and raw material to create income and rural energy supply in an environmentally sustainable way.
The document summarizes an expert meeting on Jatropha held by the European Commission. Key points discussed include:
1. Jatropha has potential as a biofuel crop but more research is needed to establish high yielding varieties and sustainable production methods.
2. Presentations were given on the history and state of Jatropha cultivation, the EU policy framework for biofuels research, and claims about Jatropha's productivity and environmental impacts.
3. Research priorities identified include identifying high yielding plants, developing tissue culture techniques for propagation, establishing demonstration plantations, and breeding varieties with high oil content and growth.
Fifth bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III) ...Tropical Legumes III
The Tropical Legumes III project aims to improve lives of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia through increased grain legume productivity and production. The project is a 10-year initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by ICRISAT, CIAT, IITA, and national agricultural research systems of target countries. The third phase (TL III) seeks to build upon the achievements of the previous two phases with a focus on fewer legumes (chickpea, cowpea, common bean, groundnut) and geographies. The annual TL III meeting was held alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes conference in Zambia, where progress was reviewed and future
TL III convenes its annual meeting alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes and World Cowpea Conference:Grain legumes are a key source of nitrogenrich edible seeds, providing a wide variety of high-protein products and constituting a major source of dietary protein in the diets of the poor in most parts of SSA. Their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen makes legumes excellent components within the various farming systems. Against this backdrop most developmental partners (including ICRISAT) are pushing the legume agenda forward. The TL III project, lead by ICRISAT, is built directly pon the outputs and momentum of Tropical Legumes I (TL I) and Tropical Legumes II (TL II) projects, but is strategically focused on fewer legumes (chickpea, cowpea, common bean and groundnut) and fewer geographies (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and India’s Uttar Pradesh). With the focus on firming up country work plans, the TL III community convened its first annual meeting at a very opportune time alongside the Pan African Grain Legumes and World Cowpea Conference [one of the signature events of 2016 International Year of Pulses (declared by the 68th UN General Assembly as “International Year of Pulses”)], during 28 February - 4 March, 2016. The conference was held under the theme “Sustainable grain legume systems for food, income and nutrition security in a rapidly changing environment” and thereafter TL III annual meeting provided a platform for all project implementers to review the progress made under TL III and the way forward to ensure the project achieves its desired goal.
The 1st Ever All Africa Congress on Biotechnology was held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 22-26, 2008 with over 400 delegates from 39 countries discussing harnessing biotechnology for food security and development in Africa. [2] Key outcomes included the Nairobi Declaration supporting Africa's adoption of agricultural biotechnology, and recommendations to establish regional biotechnology programs and an African Biotechnology Trust Fund to coordinate efforts. [3] Future plans outlined convening another congress in 2-3 years and strengthening the Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa to advance biotechnology on the continent.
CFU-Tanzania conducted a survey of tractor service providers (TSPs) in 5 districts to develop a sustainable private sector for minimum tillage mechanization. The survey found that while there are many tractors, most are old with low horsepower. TSPs have limited skills, financial access, and awareness of conservation agriculture. CFU-Tanzania is training TSPs, linking them to equipment and loans, and promoting conservation agriculture. Their goals are to further train farmers and TSPs, facilitate equipment acquisition, and create an enabling environment for the private sector to support minimum tillage services.
This document discusses the objectives and implementation challenges of agreements related to access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. It notes that while the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to balance conservation, access, and benefit sharing, agreements like TRIPS prioritize stimulating innovation through intellectual property rights. Two theoretical perspectives are discussed - realism, where power determines outcomes, and norm diffusion, where international cooperation spreads standards. Several cases are presented that support both views. Overall, there are conflicts between protecting intellectual property, ensuring equitable access and benefit sharing, and incentivizing conservation that challenge unified implementation of these diverging objectives.
The document discusses the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It provides a history of the treaty and summarizes its key provisions, including the establishment of a Multilateral System to facilitate access to plant genetic resources and benefit sharing, recognition of Farmers' Rights, and promotion of sustainable use. It also discusses India's national programs and policies related to plant genetic resource management and regional/international collaboration on conservation and use of plant genetic resources.
Participants witness the huge impact of improved agri-technologies on farmers...Tropical Legumes III
The document discusses a meeting of the ICRISAT Governing Board in Zimbabwe that focused on strengthening partnerships to address the drought crisis affecting smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The meeting highlighted the need for science-based solutions and a country strategy from ICRISAT that promotes more drought-resistant and nutritious crops like sorghum, groundnuts, chickpeas and pigeonpeas. ICRISAT is pursuing new market opportunities and climate-resilient practices for small grains to improve food security and livelihoods in Zimbabwe.
Cassava farmers' perception of cassava initiative implication for cassava tr...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on cassava farmers' perceptions of a cassava initiative in Nigeria. Some key findings include:
1) The study assessed 290 cassava farmers who had been members of a cassava growers association for at least 10 years.
2) Most respondents were male (72.8%), married (76.9%) with a mean age of 48.4 years. Many relied on farming as their primary income (65.5%) and had at least a secondary education (53.8%).
3) The cassava initiative was favorably perceived by 55.2% of respondents. Respondents felt issues like training on export quality standards and subsidized agrochemicals needed
Cassava, a 21st Century Staple Crop: How can Nigeria Harness its Enormous Tra...Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
Nigeria possesses enormous potentials in the agricultural sector especially in the cassava sub-sector. This paper reviews the cassava production, consumption and utilization along its value chain globally. The paper focuses on Nigeria’s cassava trade outlook and how it can compete favourably with other exporting nations while examining its prospects, strategies for development and challenges the cassava sub-sector is facing in recent time. Cassava production in Nigeria reached the highest level with an estimated value of 59 million and accounted for 20.4% world share in 2017. Egypt is the only African country ranked among the top ten highest exporters of cassava in the world with export value of $20.7 million and also the highest cassava exporter in Africa even though not among the highest producers of cassava in Africa and globally. Cassava is unarguably the most important root crop in Nigeria in terms of consumption. As the highest producer of cassava in the world, Nigeria recorded a small total export value ($1.25million) when compared to other leading producers like Thailand with highest export value of $1.19billion in 2017. Nigeria and the rest of African nations are
yet to harness the great trade possibilities in the cassava sub-sector when compared to other regions (like Asia and North America) of the world.
Presentation given by Pierre du Plassis, SADC Secretariat, at the Mutual Implementation of the Plant Treaty and the Nagoya Protocol Workshop, Addis Ababa, November 16th.
The role of university is not to train students to become farmers but agricultural scientists. Students are therefore taught the Art, Science and Business of Agriculture so that they can recreate opportunities for farmers and other participants in agricultural value chain.
The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) aims to harness the potential of root, tuber and banana crops to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods for 200 million people in developing countries. These crops include potatoes, sweetpotatoes, cassava, yams, bananas and plantains. They are important staple crops in Sub-Saharan Africa that are often grown by women and marginalized groups. RTB crops can produce high yields of calories per hectare and some varieties provide vitamins and minerals. They are also important cash crops and can be used to make processed products, which adds value. While facing common challenges like perishability, RTB crops also have
AU Policies and Decisions for the Use of STI in the Implementation of a Susta...Francois Stepman
Jeremy Tinga OUEDRAOGO
Head of the NEPAD Regional Office for West Africa
Director of the African Biosafety Network of Expertise - ABNE
30 - 31 August 2018. Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium. IPBO conference 2018: “Scientific innovation for a sustainable development of African agriculture”
Exploiting untapped potential of roots,tubers and bananas to improve nutrition and food security,increase income generation,foster improved livelihoods for women, youth, children &
other vulnerable groups for global food security.
This document summarizes key lessons from the US corn ethanol value chain that could inform the development of biofuel industries in other countries. It discusses the US ethanol industry structure, profit margins supported by corn byproducts, and factors influencing the location of biorefineries. The document also examines jatropha-based biodiesel value chains and compares different feedstock options. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of securing a stable biomass supply and implementing policies to reduce risks for farmers.
Seventh bulletin of the quarterly publication of Tropical Legumes III (TL III...Tropical Legumes III
This bulletin focusses on the progress made under objective four: enhancing common bean productivity and production in focus geographies of sub-Saharan Africa, during year one of
phase III implementation.
This presentation discusses the evolution of developing country agriculture from the "Green Revolution" period to the emerging use of the "Gene Revolution" technologies.
Use of Jatropha Curcas Oil as Raw Material and Fuel: An Integrated Approach R...QZ1
The document discusses experiences from a Jatropha project in Mali, West Africa. The central hypothesis is that the Jatropha system creates positive reciprocity between raw material/energy production and food production/the environment without producing wastes. Specifically, the more Jatropha hedges produce raw material/energy, the more food crops are protected from animals and erosion. The system also creates additional income, mainly for women. The Jatropha project integrated using Jatropha oil as a fuel and raw material to create income and rural energy supply in an environmentally sustainable way.
The document summarizes an expert meeting on Jatropha held by the European Commission. Key points discussed include:
1. Jatropha has potential as a biofuel crop but more research is needed to establish high yielding varieties and sustainable production methods.
2. Presentations were given on the history and state of Jatropha cultivation, the EU policy framework for biofuels research, and claims about Jatropha's productivity and environmental impacts.
3. Research priorities identified include identifying high yielding plants, developing tissue culture techniques for propagation, establishing demonstration plantations, and breeding varieties with high oil content and growth.
Promoting Renewable Energy Technologies for Rural Development in Africa: Expe...QZ1
This document examines Zambia's efforts to promote renewable energy technologies for rural development. It finds that while Zambia has significant renewable energy potential from solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources, household usage of renewable technologies is currently limited. Policy support and implementation, lack of awareness among rural households, and the high cost of technologies have hindered greater adoption. The study evaluates renewable energy in Zambia's development plans and surveys households in one district to understand barriers to use. Overall, the document assesses Zambia's progress in exploiting renewable options and expanding energy access in rural areas.
This document analyzes the renewable energy potential in Jamaica. It finds that Jamaica has abundant renewable resources like wind, biomass, and solar that remain largely untapped. Currently, about 8% of Jamaica's total energy supply comes from renewable sources. The document recommends that Jamaica develop these renewable resources to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, save on foreign exchange costs, and provide local employment. It identifies opportunities for increased electricity generation from wind, hydropower, bagasse, and solar and proposes policy actions and incentives to promote renewable energy development.
The document provides a final report on a project to design a rooftop greenhouse and bio-diesel processing plant for an elementary school. Key details include:
1) The greenhouse will be heated using bio-diesel produced on-site from used vegetable oil obtained locally. A bio-diesel processing plant and boiler will be built to produce heat for the greenhouse.
2) Safety is a top priority given the school setting. Dangerous chemicals will be locked away and exhaust vented properly. The design accommodates 10-15 students.
3) The 20' x 50' greenhouse and 332 sq ft processing plant will fit on the school roof. Students will help maintain the greenhouse and learn about renewable
Renewable Energy Strategies For The Indian Railways QZ1
This document discusses renewable energy strategies for the Indian Railways. It begins by acknowledging the importance of energy and sustainable development. It then provides context on the current energy usage and requirements of the Indian Railways.
The document analyzes renewable energy options in the UK and EU to identify those applicable to railroads. Key options discussed include wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass/biofuels. It performs an in-depth analysis of using biodiesel as an alternative fuel for the Indian Railways.
Lastly, the document puts forth a strategy for the Indian Railways to adopt renewable energy sources to achieve energy security, sustainable development, and minimize environmental impacts. It recommends specific measures based on trends in
Renewable Energy Technologies for Poverty Alleviation: South Africa QZ1
This document provides an executive summary of a report on renewable energy technologies for poverty alleviation in South Africa. It discusses South Africa's energy policy priorities and targets for renewable energy. It also analyzes the needs, technologies, resources and potential cases studies for renewable energy. Three case studies are summarized: biodiesel, solar water heaters, and fuelwood. The document examines the capacity, niches and experiences for implementing various renewable technologies to alleviate poverty in South Africa.
Production of Feed and Energy from Jatropha Curcas QZ1
This document discusses D1 Oils' research on Jatropha curcas as a feedstock for biofuel production. It notes that Jatropha is a hardy plant that can grow in drought conditions and produce oil, animal feed, and fertilizer. However, the document emphasizes that Jatropha needs to be domesticated through selective breeding and proper cultivation to increase yields. D1 Oils' research focuses on developing high-yielding varieties of Jatropha, optimizing growing conditions, and finding high value uses for all parts of the plant. The goal is to make Jatropha a commercially viable crop that provides sustainable energy and economic opportunities for farmers.
This document provides links to resources about organic gardening and farming techniques, including manuals on increasing plant yields by 400%, rainwater harvesting, roof gardens, using vegetable oil in vehicles, garden therapy for the disabled, volunteering on organic farms in Europe, solar energy training, and eco-friendly coffee bean development projects. The resources aim to educate about city, backyard, and urban farming through free catalogs, books, articles, and more.
This document outlines an African position on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. It acknowledges that GMOs could help increase food production but also recognizes safety concerns. The document discusses the polarized debate around GMOs and the need for African countries to develop consensus. It also summarizes ongoing African Union initiatives to provide guidance on biosafety and biotechnology issues, including the work of the High Level African Panel on Biotechnology and the development of an African Strategy on Biosafety.
The document discusses an African position on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. It summarizes various initiatives by African organizations like the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and Economic Community of West African States to develop policies and guidelines around GMOs. The key recommendations are to improve information sharing on biotechnology across African countries, enhance public awareness and participation, and promote a precautionary approach to GMO approvals that ensures safety.
This document discusses biotechnology and food security in Africa. It notes that West Africa is a food insecure region, with 1 in 4 of the world's malnourished living there. Biotechnology tools like genetic engineering hold promise to increase agricultural productivity and address challenges like pests and diseases. Countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria are conducting research on genetically modified crops like Bt cotton, cowpea, and cassava to increase yields and resilience. However, challenges remain around regulations, infrastructure, and developing scientific capacity. Increased efforts in animal biotechnology and accelerating biosafety legislation will also be important for realizing biotechnology's potential in Africa.
An overview of the status of genetically modified organisms in Africa today. Agricultural biotechnology as an approach to solving numerous challenges of biotic and abiotic stressors.
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1) Jatropha seed yields were generally low, ranging from 0.1-2.3 tons/ha, due to the plant being grown primarily as a live fence with little management.
2) At current low yields, jatropha production for biofuel alone is not very economically attractive for communities or large-scale production.
3) Growing jatropha for local processing and use of products like soap or fertilizer appears more economically viable currently than selling seeds for biofuel.
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Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in Sub Saharan AfricaWorld Agroforestry (ICRAF)
The document discusses fostering sustainability and resilience for food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. It notes that the region's population is projected to reach 2 billion in the next 30 years, but currently 24% of people are undernourished with cereal yields half the world average. Current agricultural intensification focuses on high fertilizer and seeds but risks compromising sustainability. The Global Environment Facility proposes a pilot program to strengthen natural resource management and ecosystem services to achieve intensification that is sustainable and resilient. The $120 million program aims to generate $1 billion in co-financing to benefit millions of smallholder farmers across dryland regions in Africa.
This document provides a summary of the Africa Agriculture Status Report: Focus on Staple Crops from 2013. The report outlines the status of agriculture in 16 African countries, focusing on issues such as input availability and access, the policy environment, and access to output markets. It covers topics like agricultural productivity, land tenure, soil health, seed systems, financing, markets, the role of women, extension services, and capacity development. The report took over a year and a half to produce and involved consulting various government ministries, statistics bureaus, organizations, and institutions working in African agriculture.
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The new book from CTA and Cgiar Research Program on Climate Change & Food Security, "Evidence of impact: Climate-smart agriculture in Africa", showcases many innovative climate-smart agriculture practices with the capacity to increase productivity and build resilience in Africa
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This document summarizes a thesis that studied screw-pressing Jatropha seeds to optimize oil recovery for fuel production in less developed countries. The study evaluated how process parameters like moisture content, restriction size, rotational speed, and seed pre-treatment affect oil recovery, energy input, and cost. Tests were conducted on two screw presses in the Netherlands and Tanzania. The highest oil recoveries of 89% and 91% resulted from seeds cooked at 70°C for an hour before pressing. In general, higher moisture content, smaller restriction size, lower speed, and pre-heating improved recovery. Based on the results, optimal recovery is expected at 2-4% moisture after cooking, 100% hull content, and the lowest possible
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The document discusses the potential for a transition towards Jatropha biofuels in Tanzania. It analyzes initial experiments with Jatropha using the framework of Strategic Niche Management. Key findings include:
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This document proposes a program to research the potential exploitation and valorization of the Jatropha curcas tree through a biorefinery approach in Indonesia. The tree produces oil from its seeds that can be used as biofuel, as well as proteins, carbohydrates, and lignocellulose from other parts. The program aims to optimize oil extraction and purification, explore uses of other products for energy, feed, and chemicals, and evaluate integrated production chains to identify the most promising for Indonesia. It involves universities and research institutes in both the Netherlands and Indonesia.
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Presentations of Bavo Raeymaekers (Project lead youth unemployment at the City of Antwerp), Suzan Martens (Service designer at Knight Moves) and Adriaan De Keersmaeker (Community manager at Talk to C)
during the 'Arena • Young adults in the workplace' conference hosted by Knight Moves.
2. 2398 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
BOX 1 NEPAD
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
-To eradicate poverty;
-To place African countries, individually and collectively on the path of sustainable growth and
development;
-To halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process and to enhance Africa’s full
and beneficial integration into the global economy; and
-To accelerate the empowerment of women and children.
THE PRINCIPLES OF NEPAD ACTION
-Good governance as the basic requirement for peace, security and sustainable political and
socio-economic development;
-African ownership and leadership with participation by all sectors of society;
-Anchoring the development of Africa through its own resources and the resourcefulness of its
people;
-Partnership between and amongst all African people;
-Acceleration of regional and continental integration;
-Promotion of the competitiveness of the African continent and its countries;
-Construction of a new international partnership that reflects the peer-equal relationship
between Africa and the developed world; and
-Ensurance that all partnerships with NEPAD are linked to the UN Millennium Development
Goals and Targets.
Source: http://www.nepad.org/2005/files/inbrief.php
makers and researchers in Africa. Whilst genetically tiatives, have now adopted a regional five-year plan of
modified crops are commercially produced in South action for increasing food production through biotechno-
Africa, an informal ban is in place in Zambia. Several logy. Much has been written about the pros and cons of
West African countries, fiercely proud of their national ini- the introduction of GMOs and GM crops into the African
3. Pillay and Da Silva 2399
Table 1. Bio-fuel production in Africa*.
Bioethanol Production Biodiesel Production (ML) and
Country (ML) and Feedstock Feedstock
Kenya 3 ML; Sugarcane
Ghana 6 ML. Sugarcane
Malawi 6 ML; Sugarcane
South Africa 416 ML Sugarcane B and B3 type; Jatropha species
Zimbabwe 6 ML; Sugarcane
*Extracted and adapted from Dufey (2006).
continent. Debate at times is fierce and divisive
notwithstanding that mother nature has influenced the Central hypothesis: The Jatropha System
transformation of then wild wheat into the biotech wheat creates a positive reciprocity between energy
of today since 10 000 BC. Nevertheless, issues such as production and environment/food production –
the longstanding ethical arguments of prioritizing “Food Henning (1996).
(Needs) over Fuel” in deference to current “Bio-fuel
(Needs) over Food” cannot be glossed over. One such in- Jatropha seeds contain about 35% of non-edible oil.
stance has been the use of sorghum normally used to Though it is widely used in traditional folk medicine in
produce beer the average human’s elixir of recreation be- many parts of West Africa as a laxative by rural low-
ing channeled to produce a fossil-fuel substitute income communities, its use is discouraged and even
(Hazelhurst, 2007; Mayet, 2007). considered as illegal. In Benin and Madagascar, oil from
Jatropha has been used to manufacture medical soap.
Savon de Marseille. Already, sub-Saharan Africa is
BIO-FUELS AND ENERGY SECURITY IN AFRICA considered as a major geo-source for bio-energy trade
and regional development and production of bio-fuels
Energy security (bio or fossil origin) like food security in (Johnson and Matsika, 2006). African expectations are
Africa is a crucial element in sustaining development and that Africa will be the new Bio-fuel continent (Monkey,
technological progress in Africa (Leuenberger and 2007).
Wohlgemuth, 2006). Some 39 least developed countries Aspects of development benefit from investment in the
[LDCs] in the African continent face the never-ending use of the Jatropha system. These are: [i] the use of re-
problems of energy and food insecurities. In one case the newable energy, [ii] soil improvement and erosion control
bread-basket of southern Africa has been transformed [iii] promotion of women, and [iv] emergence of a sus-
into the bread bowl of the region. Traditional biomass tainable way of life for village farmers through genera-tion
fuels available on an insecure and non-sustainable basis of bio-economic resources coming from innovative rural
help meet the energy and food cooking requirements of bio-industries and markets. Moreover, farmers have pro-
virtually all African LDCs in Africa (Box 2). tected their gardens and food crops through the aesthetic
Trees and crops are greening the Sahara (Polgreen, hedge-use of J. curcas as a natural ornamental living
2007). Farmers in the Koloma Baba village in the Tahoua fence that protects the environment and domestic farm-
region of Niger use simple agricultural practices. Pits in land property. Jatropha, described as the ‘Cinderella of
plots of land are filled with manure just prior to a rainfall. the plant world’ by Palmer (2007) can be one of the solu-
The resulting slurry aids regeneration of soil fertility and tions to problems of energy poverty in Africa. With
conversion of barren land into an area of dense increasing worldwide interest in this non-food human and
vegetation that with newly planted trees and crops that animal crop, the possibilities are exciting. Jatropha oil
feed the economic, energy, and employment markets of can be used as a diesel substitute for rural electrification
the village. Amongst the new crop plantations, Jatropha and transport. Its vigorous growth and root system
curcas, a Latin American plant, widespread throughout protects against soil erosion. Net carbon dioxide (CO2)
the arid and semiarid tropical regions of the world, fea- emissions from the Jatropha cycle are zero. It can be the
tures prominently. A member of the Euphorbiaceae, this flagship of socio-economic development in the LDCs of
ornamental plant naturalised in many tropical areas is a Africa. The expanding spurt of activity (Tables 2 and 3)
drought resistant perennial living up to 50 years and in harnessing this green gold throughout Central and
growing on marginal soils. An inedible plant for humans Southern Africa is transforming the continent’s “hard-
and animals, the plant has spread from Mozambique scrabbled ground” face into a fertile vegetation layer that
throughout the different regions of sub-Saharan Africa. greens desert land in Niger (Polgreen, 2007). J. curcas,
4. 2400 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
Box 2. Food Situation in African Regions
A. Percentage of population undernourished in African regions
Region Percentage undernourished
1969-71 1979-81 1990-92 1996-98
Sub-Saharan Africa 34 37 35 34
Near East and North Africa 25 9 8 10
B: African countries obtaining 70% or more of the diet from cereals, roots and tubers (1996 –
1998)
Central Africa Eastern Africa
Democratic Republic of Congo (75) Eritrea (78)
Ethiopia (79)
West Africa Southern Africa
Benin (74) Lesotho (80)
Burkina Faso (75) Madagascar (74)
Ghana (75) Malawi (74)
Mali (73) Namibia (79)
Niger (74) Zambia (79)
Togo (77)
th
Source: FAO corporate repository --- Assessment of The World Food Security Situation, 27 Session,
Rome, 28 May - 1 June 2001:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/003/Y0147E/Y0147E00.htm
drought-resistant and frost hardy thrives in Zambia and pollution whilst offering impressive environment-friendly
Zimbabwe and is ideal for production of bio-diesel qualities across the spectrum of domestic activities to
products. those ranging from the industrial sector. The benefits of
Use of natural, renewable and biodegradable bio-diesel investment in J. curcas are multiple. These range from
and bio-fuels reduce the risks of groundwater and soil eradication of the poverty of job opportunities, the em-
5. Pillay and Da Silva 2401
Table 2. Bio-fuel activities in Africa*.
Country Activity/goal Socio-economic benefits and
opportunities
Angola Joint Brazilian (Petrobras) - Italian institutes new source of
(Eni Spa) - Angola initiative income and job opportunities
tapping vast potential of biofuel for Angolan farmers and
production. researchers via South-North-
3-partner cooperative benefits are: South cooperation. Brazilian
reinforcement of South-South partner provides technical
shared technical knowledge; expertise; Italian partner
North-South teamwork ensuring provides financial resources
biofuel security via Euro-African- for construction of biodiesel
South American partnership; and plant and Angolan partner
elimination of Angolan rural provides investment openings
poverty. for biofuel production and
With Portugal a biodiesel plant near export to financial partner.
Ambriz in the Bengo province Opening of new labor
using oil from the African oil palm markets and rural industries.
is scheduled to start in 2008.
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso, landlocked nation in West Africa Development of exchange program to
enters partnership with Taiwan, China for the train Burkinabese students in Taiwan
production of sweet sorghum based-ethanol. to use sweet sorghum for ethanol
production.
Cameroon Biodiesel production from palm oil Development of oil palm
to develop a new biofuel plantations for generation of
foreign-exchange market. income and new labor markets.
Democratic Biodiesel production from palm oil Production of biodiesel from
Republic of is envisaged through a Spanish palm oil in line with feasibility
Congo enterprise ‘Aurantia’ to build 4 oil studies dealing with
palm mills. logistics, labor opportunities,
and environment- friendly
infrastructural inputs.
Ethiopia Ethiopia-UK collaboration from 2005 results in Reduction in rural poverty
the first operational Jatropha nursery. through creation of
employment opportunities.
Equatorial Development of methanol plant on Bioko Production at a gas-fired
Guinea island. power station to supply high-
grade electricity.
Ghana Oil palm production - Focus on development of
establishment of the Bio-fuel regulatory protocols for biofuel
Implementation Committee in 2005. production, use of biodiesel and
bioalcohol as substitutes for
fossil-fuel imports.
Kenya In 2006, half a million Jatropha Focus on halting the onset
seedlings planted in the Eastern, of desertification and aiding
Rift Valley and Nyanza Provinces. reforestation activities.
Fossil-fuel substitution in Kenya using biogas. Development of capacity
building in fuel substitution through a
micro-financing approach in Kenyan
schools.
6. 2402 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
Table 2. Contd.
Mali Mali-FolkCenter Fuels from Women produce locally
Agriculture in Communal biodiesel to run posho (corn
Technology (FACT Foundation) in meal) mills and produce soaps,
Eindhoven, Netherlands; and cosmetics and biofertilizers to
the Regional Economic strengthen rural bioeconomic
Commission for West Asia (ECOWAS). prosperity.
Malawi The Biodiesel Agricultural Benefits: savings in foreign
Association encourages farmers exchange expenses;
to strengthen the energy sector minimization of pollution of
through the planting of Jatropha the environment; and
curcas. instituting employment and
income generation activities.
Mozambique Joint Mozambique- Norway Focus on production of
collaboration in 2006 on African bioethanol from sugarcane; of
Green Conference “Mozambique biodiesel from copra seed oil,
BioFuels” highlights Mozambique cotton seed oil, sunflower
strategic location as gateway to seed oil, and Jatropha curcas
the landlocked countries of to reduce foreign exchange
Malawi, Swaziland, Zimbabwe expenses; minimize pollution
and Zambia. of the environment; and
expand labor and income
generation activities.
Namibia A Bio-Oil Energy committee Development of an
oversees plantation of about environmental-friendly
63,000 hectares of the Jatropha biofuel.
bush by 2013.
Niger Reclamation of desert land through Simple innovative village
innovative agricultural practices. agricultural practices fuel
rural energy and feed markets.
South Africa Development of a Jatropha curcas Reduce dependence on high-
nursery to produce biodiesel in the cost fossil fuels in the
North West Province. transportation sector.
On-stream production by Ethanol Use of algae as a feedstock
Africa of biofuel at South Africa’s for biofuels production.
first bioethanol plant in Bothaville State-of-the art and
in the Free State built by a German awareness conferences on the
enterprise. beneficial uses of biofuels
Development of new technology to [http://www.africanbiofuels.
produce biodiesel. co.za/Press.pdf].
Organization of “African Biofuels” Reduction in dependence
conferences aimed at helping the African on fossil-fuels in the
continent on the merits and demerits of biofuel transportation sector.
use as an alternative to reliance on fossil-fuel
imports.
Promotion of liquid biofuels in the City of Cape
Town.
Fiat will launch its Brazilian-built flex-fuel Uno
in South Africa in late 2007 which runs on
gasoline, ethanol or a combination of the two
fuels as displayed at the Durban Auto Show
[Automotive World - March 27, 2007].
7. Pillay and Da Silva 2403
Table 2. Contd.
Sudan Jatropha -widely encountered in Mainly used as a medicinal
the Bahr El Gazal, Bahr El Jebel, plant due to its molluscicidal
Kassala, Khartoum, and Kordofan States. properties.
Tanzania Transition to Jatropha biofuels is Reduction of dependence on
in a nascent stage. fossil-fuel imports and
developing ancillary rural industries.
Uganda Jatropha grown in rural areas of Reinforces and improves
the Karamoja region is an women’s’ welfare and their
ideal bioresource for production of participation in rural governance.
biodiesel ; Feasibility study shows technical collaboration with
molasses are an uneconomical India and Mali is foreseen.
feedstock which is used to produce Raw materials used for soap
local gin --Uganda Waragi. and lubricant manufacture
A flower farm in Mukono in offer new employment
Central Uganda has begun opportunities in financing
producing biodiesel using Jatropha Mukono’s district markets.
curcas. Facilitating access through
Provision of energy services in biofuel energy use derived
rural areas. from Multi Functional Platforms (Doelle
and DaSilva, 2007a).
Zambia In the central province of Mkushi, Jatropha is sustainable agriculture of Jatropha
planted to produce biodiesel. About 300,000 crops helps in poverty alleviation.
small-scale farmers of the National Self- empowerment for farmers,
Association for Peasant and Small-Scale provision of new employment
Farmers of Zambia are expected to grow opportunities, and conservation of
some 150,000 hectares of Jatropha. valuable foreign-exchange reserves.
Promotion of bio-energy use in Zambia and
establishment of a bio-oil processing plant in
Kabwe aids national economic progress.
Currently, a total of 400,000 Jatropha plants
are being grown by 5,000 farmers in the
Chibombo and Kapiri Mposhi districts.
Zimbabwe Jatropha curcas (Mujirimono) is a alternative to fossil-fuel used
cash crop for biodiesel production. in the transportation sector.
A National Biodiesel Feedstock Improvement of Zimbabwe's
Production Programme focuses on energy security through annual
achieving self-sufficiency in contribution of 360 000 tons
use of biofuels through Jatropha of Jatropha curcas seeds for
curcas plantations. processing into 110 million
The National Oil Company of litres of biodiesel by 2010.
Zimbabwe (NOCZIM) is set to create national employment
grow 25,000 Jatropha plant opportunities for research,
seedlings to distribute to farmers production, and processing of
for the 2006-2007 season. biodiesel.
Regional initiatives
Common Fourth COMESA Business Forum Reduction in the dependence
Market for recommends investment in on fossil-fuels through use of
Eastern and biofuels [ Final Communiqué, liquid biofuels in the
Southern May 18 - 19, 2007; Document transportation sector.
Africa CBF/IPPSD/1, May2007;
(COMESA) Original English].
8. 2404 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
Table 2. Contd.
Economic Focus on poverty reduction and the Focus on health, rural
Community development of national and development, and small-scale
of West African regional economic infrastructure. enterprises that contribute to
States (ECOWAS) national and regional bioeconomic prosperity.
Economic Focus on creation of an awareness Focus on rural development
Community of the potential benefits of using and small-scale reduction in
of Central clean and green biofuels. dependence on the use of
African States (ECCAS) fossil-derived fuels.
Desert A collaborative effort convened by International An answer to eradication of the twin scourges
Margins Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ---poverty and environmental degradation
Programme (ICRISAT) that unites 9African countries with desert reinforcement of rural energy, food and
margins that ring the heart of Africa: Botswana, market enterprises in disadvantaged and
(DMP) Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Namibia, Niger, poverty-prone non-urban and nomadic
Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. communities.
Southern Assessment of economic benefits accruing from Feasibility study for the production and use of
African production of biofuels in the SADC region – biofuels – Straight or Recycled vegetable oils
Development Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the [SVO or RVO] in the SADC region as an
Congo (since 8 September 1997), Lesotho, answer to the
Community
Madagascar (since 18 August 2005), Malawi, reduction of dependence on
(SADC)
Mauritius (since 28 August 1995), Mozambique, high-cost imported fossil fuels
Namibia (since 31 March 1990 ), Seychelles [joined [http://www.nab.com.na/jdocs/
SADC on 8 September 1997 and left on 1 July biiofuels_study_final_report
2004], Swaziland, South Africa
.pdf].
(since 30 August 1994), Tanzania,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
North-South and South-South Cooperation
North-South Development of the biodiesel Development of small- and medium-scale
Cooperation industry in Lesotho, Tanzania and industries; job opportunities; and acquisition of
Zambia. financing through the
African Sustainable Fuels
Centre, Cape Town, RSA.
India helps West Africa develop provision of US $ 250 million from India to
biofuels. boost biofuel production in 15 West African
countries.
Potato Value Chain Development Supported by Common Fund for
Commodities, the potato sector in West Africa
in West Africa (Guinea-Senegal). is integrated into competitive markets.
Green OPEC member countries Creation of mechanisms to;
are: Bénin, Burkina Faso, the 1) Share financial burdens of high oil prices in
Democratic Republic of the solidarity system that protects ongoing
Congo, Gambia; Ghana; Guinée; national projects aimed at
Guinea-Bissau;Madagascar;Mali; socio-poverty alleviation; and
Morocco;Niger;Sénégal; Sierra 2) Institute financial governance of large-
Leone; Togo; Zambia. scale use of biofuels in continental
Africa that facilitates African
The island states - Mauritius, oil producing countries to
Madagascar and Reunion [French invest in biofuels in non-oil
territory] in the Indian Ocean producing African
team up in a collaborative effort countries.
wherein Mauritius, Malaysia and Reduction of crippling
China provide the required dependency on rising
savoir-faire and technical fossil-fuels oil costs that erode
expertise whilst Madagascar and the bioeconomic prosperity of
Réunion provide land for plantations. These island states.
9. Pillay and Da Silva 2405
Table 2. Contd.
Globalized Cooperation
International Established after meetings in Promote use of sugarcane
Sugarcane Mount Edgecombe, RSA (July biomass residual products for
Biomass 2006) and Alagoas, Brazil production of bioenergy and
Utilization (November, 2006) under umbrella biofuels.
Consortium of the International Society of
(ISBUC) Sugarcane Technologists with
representatives from institutions
in 8 sugar-producing countries:
Australia, Brazil, India,
Mauritius, South Africa,
Swaziland, Thailand, USA.
Source: Compiled by E.J. da Silva.
Table 3. Non-edible and edible oils possessing bio-diesel potential.
Type Oleaginous Plant Sources Remark
Copaiba An oleoresin tapped from the Once known in Africa, now used
plant Copaifera. in Brazil as a source of biodiesel.
Jatropha oil Jatropha curcas is the most Considered for use in several
widely used species from African countries as a biofuel.
amongst the over 80 species of
the Jatropha plant.
Milk bush Synadenium granti from the Under study in Brazil as a source
Family Euphorbiaceae – a of biofuel.
poisonous plant widely found in
Africa.
Edible oils
Cottonseed oil Gossypium herbaceum Major food oil used in food
processing.
Palm oil Elaeis guineensis Tropical oil now tapped to make
biofuel.
Olive oil Olea europaea Used in cooking, cosmetics,
. soaps, and as lighting fuel for
traditional oil lamps.
powerment of the feminine labour force in villages, to the ting in the changing face of agriculture. With the advent of
generation of independent income resources that sustain nutraceuticals agriculture was the new health sector.
feminine human dignity and financial independence Today with increasing use of bio-refineries especially in
[United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) United the USA, the European Union and in the BICS [Brazil;
Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), India, China and South Africa] group, agriculture is now
2001]. the new energy sector as well as the fulcrum of a
Recent times are witness to fluctuating energy prices in “nouvelle économie” (Le Monde, 2007).
upward spiraling costs. World-wide, climate change and
pollution of the aerial environment continues with dis-
astrous consequences coming from dependence on finite BIO-REFINERY CONCEPT
fossil-fuels. Mindful of the coming positive and negative
impacts of the era of “l’après pétrole” foreseen to begin The bio-refinery concept involves the integration of
later in this century several countries are already invest- bioconversion processes and equipment to produce bio-
10. 2406 Afr. J. Biotechnol.
fuels and chemicals from biomass within a singular large- est supplier of bio-diesel with Norwegian, Indian and
scale facility (Doelle and DaSilva, 2007b). A variety of British companies moving quickly to secure massive
bio-industrial process tributaries yielding multiple bio- tracts of land on the continent for Jatropha plantations.
based products and bio-fuels are the bases of the bio-
refinery thesis. The bio-refinery concept is similar to
current day petrorefineries that produce multiple fuels CONCERNS: JATROPHA, BIO-FUELS
and products from petroleum oil. The bio-refinery con-
cept is of relevance to rural and village communities Concerns have emerged on the use of Jatropha and corn
given that all waste is recycled. The cyclic nature of the as sources to feed the bio-fuel industry. The northern
zero-emission biotechnology process ensures that all hemisphere turns to corn for the production of bio-ethanol
components can provide the 6Fs- fertilizer, fiber, food, whilst the southern hemisphere turns to the inedible
feed, fuel and filling materials needed for routine daily life. Jatropha. The transformation of land that yields food
Domestic security is guaranteed by reducing depen- crops into acreage that yields fuel crops needs attention
dence on foreign oil. Bio-fuels from 'energy crops' as the transportation sector gains in priority in relation to
including sugarcane, corn, soybeans, and oil palms aid in bigger airports and highway construction. Jatropha – the
helping fight global warming. African countries contribute agro-fuel plant for the non-industrialized nations grows on
less than 1% to global CO2 (Dufey, 2006). Bio-fuel wasteland but needs time to be available continuously in
production will further help with fuel security and could be critical mass. The rising costs of imports of fossil-fuels
exported to developed countries. Such visionary action are impacting seriously on the national economies of es-
would result in valuable foreign-exchange earnings. The pecially the developing world. In the developed world, the
global bio-fuels market offers important opportunities in emphasis is on increasing use of clean and green bio-
bringing together the economic, environmental and social fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Southern Africa
agenda both in developing countries and globally (Dufey, is expected to be the launching pad for new export
2006). International trade barriers, especially tariffs and markets within the framework of bio-energy trade and re-
subsidies, need to be relaxed to enable the developing gional development [(Economic Commission for Africa
world reap the benefits of the emerging bio-fuels trade. (ECA), 2006; Johnson and Matsika, 2006).
Certification schemes need to be established for
accountability of the environmental and social conditions
in such countries. Poor working conditions associated RAINBOW BIOTECH – A Portal for African Sustaina-
with the cultivation of some energy crops such as sugar- ble Development and Bio-economic Prosperity
cane and palm oil and large-scale bio-fuel production
could result in serious environmental consequences The southernmost country of Africa with veins of diamond
(Dufey, 2006). and arteries of gold is a land of bio- and unique cultural
Cellulosic ethanol derived from virtually any plant diversity in its fauna and flora (features characteristic of 4
matter including farm waste looks particularly promising. other countries: Brazil, China, India and Indonesia), its
Cellulosic conversion technology could reduce the cost of geography and topography, people, and political history.
producing ethanol by as much as 60 cents per gallon by Amongst all the countries in continental Africa, the
2015 as forecast by the US Department of Energy. Green Republic of South Africa (RSA) by virtue of its past and
groups see cellulosic ethanol as a carbon neutral energy present shared history has been at the forefront in the
source to fight the build up of atmospheric carbon dioxide promotion of biotechnology (Table 4) to achieve national
responsible for global warming. The more important need goals [Department of Science and Technology (DST),
is to create an awareness of these parameters in the 2001, 2002). The skeins of academic commitment, res-
African communities and with policy-makers in order to ponsibilities and accountability have strengthened the fa-
leapfrog the growing gap that anchors the existing divide bric of RSA national development that enriches interna-
between the industrialized and the least developed tional cooperation through for example, the IBSA [India,
nations in continental Africa. Brazil and South Africa] initiative for international co-
Rising oil prices and growing climate change concerns operation [Research Information Systems (RIS), 2006).
are driving investment and innovation in the bio-fuels The possibility of a novel bio-fuel industry is now be-
sector. Developed and developing countries increasingly coming a reality [Department of Minerals and Energy
look towards renewable bio-energy to replace fossil fuels (DME), Republic of South Africa (RSA), 2006).
(Table 2). Bio-fuels, when burned, have fewer emissions
than traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels. Furthermore,
bio-fuels, generally derived from plants, absorb carbon CONCLUSIONS
from the atmosphere as they grow and offer the potential
to help mitigate climate change. According to Monkey Poverty and its offspring – hunger – feed rebellions and
(2007), Africa could potentially become the world’s bigg- revolutions that impact on the stability of national and
11. Pillay and Da Silva 2407
Table 4. National Republic of South Africa (RSA) biotech excellence and contribution to emergence of a better Africa.
Activity Achievements Remarks
Biotechnology 106 companies [inclusive of 47 core Traditional brewing and food excluded;
enterprises and 59 non-core biotech majority of core companies are in health
companies/NGOs] are in Gauteng (39%) and support services (13%) with
(41%), the Western Cape (37%) and near even representation in the
Kwazulu Natal (15%). environmental, food, plant, animal and
industrial sectors.
Research Groups 679 research groups in SA with Stakeholders in human health, plant, food
breakdown as: 1)Biotech 296 and beverage sectors were from the
2)Potential Biotech 205 3)Biotech Western Cape, Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal
services 178 and the Free State.
Biotech relevant projects 911 projects were in sectors of: human Projects conducted primarily by Western
heath, animal health, plant biotech, the Cape, Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal and the
food industry, the industrial, food and Free State.
environmental sectors.
Human Resources 1 020 skilled persons involved with 950 Nearly all R&D personnel possess
coming from academic sector. required training.
Biotech Patents 200 biotech patents filed with the South Deals with bio-intellectual property capital
African Register of Copyright Designs of RSA.
and Patents.
Support structures Regional Innovation Centres (BRICS);
National Bioinformatics Network, etc.
[Source: http///www.oecd.org/dataoecd/è/37:3603699&.pdf].
international governance. Several of the least-developed sustainable development. Biotechnology, an important
countries of sub-Saharan Africa have low-income earning tool for economic and sustainable development through
groups and are prone to fossil-fuel energy poverty and NEPAD envisages partnerships and participation of
food deficiency. These energy- and food-deficient nations stakeholders for economic advancement at the village,
with just the bare biotechnological minimum in savoir- urban and national levels (Pillay and DaSilva, 2001). The
faire to feed themselves are perpetually vulnerable and emergence of “Rainbow Biotech” indisputably can serve
disadvantaged in the global arena of governance, em- as a catalytic portal amongst others for overall continental
ployment and trade. Poverty, an integral component of development (Louët, 2006; Pincock, 2006; RIS, 2006).
their national fabric, is the last socio-economic disease
that sows social unrest and erosion of human-power
resources in these countries. It devalues and endangers ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
the bio-safety and bio-security of biodiversity and the
legacy of the environment to be bequeathed to future The authors acknowledge Dr. C. Montague (LifeLab, Dur-
generations. ban) and Prof. B.A. Prior (University of Stellenbosch) for
Lack of respect for gender equivalence, child labour their advice and comments in the pre-reviewing of this
exploitation, bonded labour slavery, discrimination and contribution.
racism in their varied nuances need to be eradicated. The
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