Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
An Analytical Framework For Assessing
the Impacts of
Jatropha Curcas
on Local
Livelihoods
Joleen A. Timko
1
Abstract
In spite of claims promoting the attributes of Jatropha curcas, there are
many misconceptions, unsubstantiated claims and research gaps that need to be con-
sidered, particularly given the projected expansion of Jatropha cultivation across the
tropics. It is thus an opportune time to assess the impacts of Jatropha from the perspec-
tive of rural livelihoods. The analytical framework presented in this chapter is intended
to assist those at the local level in assessing the potential impacts of Jatropha (or other
biofuel) projects. Three key lessons emerged from recent case study investigations into
the socio-economic impacts of Jatropha in Ghana and Ethiopia - local consultation
about potential biofuel projects is imperative, land alienation and decreases in the size
of household landholdings must be minimised or mitigated, and Jatropha must have
positive household-level socio-economic impacts. These form the basis of the analytical
framework as the key criteria that local people could use to assess the potential impacts
of Jatropha cultivation, production, and usage on their livelihoods. A detailed review
of the relevant published and grey literature focused specifically on Jatropha, but draw-
ing on more general biofuel-related literature as necessary, has identified the potential
indicators in the framework. Wherever possible, conflicts and potential avenues for
cooperation around Jatropha have been identified. This framework should be of use
in other locations to assess Jatropha-related impacts, and could be amended to assess
the livelihood impacts of other types of biofuels as well.
Keywords
Jatropha, socio-economic impact, livelihoods, Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia.
10.1 INTRODUCTION
In recent years, biofuels from plant oils have rapidly emerged as a major issue for
agricultural development, energy policy and natural resource management. The enthu-
siasm of African governments for biofuel development over the past few years has
accompanied the hope that these fuels would provide new market opportunities and
economic benefits (Amsalu and Kinfu 2013). Biofuels are thus presented as a sustain-
able source of higher income for farmers in Africa and are promoted as a means to
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