Are Biofuels a real alternative for fuel supply in the developing world or just a perception?

Abstract

Most countries in the Southern African subcontinent do not produce oil except Angola, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, oil is a huge socio-economic growth driver in these countries for industrialisation and transportation. These countries operate on high import bills, growing environmental impacts from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming leading to climate change. Studies have revealed that one way of addressing these challenges is through the inclusion of Biofuels in the energy supply mix. However, there are competing and conflicting needs which these developing countries are still grappling with such as sustainable food production and food security. This paper considers the real potential of biofuels in developing countries vis-a-vis food production and security challenges. It estimates the pragmatic biofuel production levels that can be achieved without creating food production conflict.