An Analytical Framework For Assessing the Impacts of Jatropha Curcas on Local Livelihoods - Conflicts Over Natural Resources in the Global South - page 178

Second, the framework was inductively refined through in-depth case study inves-
tigation into the actual socio-economic impacts of Jatropha projects in Ghana and
Ethiopia. This study used primary data from a household questionnaire administered
to 399 households (165 in Ethiopia, 234 in Ghana) in 2011. Further discussion of the
methods employed can be found in Timko et al. (2013). Questionnaire respondents in
Ghana were residents in communities affected by Jatropha cultivation. Approximately
60% of questionnaire respondents in Ethiopia were residents in communities affected
by Jatropha (40% were affected by Castor bean ( Ricinus communis ). Despite these
being different biofuel feedstocks, the experiences of local respondents did not differ
by feedstock type, and were common to those affected by Jatropha in Ghana. Hence,
criteria and indicators (C&I) common to both feedstocks are presented as relevant to
Jatropha in this chapter. Given the breadth of literature used in formulating the C&I,
this framework may be amenable to assessing the impacts of other types of biofuels in
other localities.
It is also acknowledged that although the C&I discussed in this chapter are a good
step towards assessing the socio-economic impacts of Jatropha on rural livelihoods,
there are challenges associated with reducing livelihoods in developing countries to
just a few variables. The indicators are quite different in scope, ranging from precise
measures amenable to quantitative assessment to very broad and diffuse indicators
requiring qualitative assessment. Moreover, the notion of 'sustainable livelihoods' is
a moving target always subject to negotiation as it is a composite of many ideas and
interests, as variable as the regions in which it is being sought ( sensu Scoones 1998).
Nevertheless, because different people will inevitably have different views as to the
priority of indicators, the strength of using a criteria and indicators approach is that the
conflicts between these priorities can be highlighted, and trade offs and choices made
between them can be made more explicit (Scoones 1998). Hence, opportunities for
cooperation can too be made explicit. The remainder of this section explores in detail
the potential indicators associated with each of three main criteria in the framework.
10.2.1 Local people are consulted about potential
biofuel projects
Case study research in Ghana and Ethiopia demonstrated that local people wanted
to be, but had not been, consulted about potential Jatropha projects in their regions
(Timko et al., 2013). This section presents two indicators for assessing how proposed
Jatropha projects are addressing the issue of local consultation: 1) the Jatropha-related
knowledge and information needs of local farmers are addressed; and 2) processes are
in place to reduce coercion and corruption, and enhance local participation.
Jatropha-related knowledge and information needs of local
farmers addressed
In order for farmers to be able to make a decision that balances the risks and benefits of
Jatropha cultivation, it is imperative that they have access to reliable and accurate infor-
mation that is supported by evidence. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. In Tanzania,
there is a systemic lack of information available to local villagers on specific aspects
of the Jatropha cultivation regime (Van Eijck et al. 2008). In cases elsewhere, uneven