Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
relations of knowledge transfer result in the dependence of farmers on companies for
technical expertise and advice in addition to growing material (Ariza-Montobbio et al.
2010a). This can be highly problematic. For instance, many buyers are well aware of
the fact that the maximum period that Jatropha seeds can be stored is approximately
three months before the level of acidity is too high, while communities may be unaware
of this and may be improperly trained to store the seed properly (Ribeiro et al. 2009).
In order for Jatropha to make positive contributions to local livelihoods, these gaps in
information provisioning must be addressed.
Processes to reduce conflict, coercion and corruption
are enhanced
A number of conflicts have emerged around large-scale Jatropha projects. Successful
examples of Jatropha cultivation on a plantation scale are rare, mainly due to low
profit margins, low yields and unrealistic expectations (Asselbergs et al. 2006). In
Tamil Nadu, companies and NGOs promoting Jatropha were seen as deliberately
deceiving rural farmers and as being responsible for a loss of local livelihoods when
crops failed, returns on investment did not materialise, and companies refused to
buy the produce at remunerative prices (Ariza-Montobbio et al. 2010a; 2010b). Of
particular concern regarding large-scale Jatropha projects are the methods used to
acquire land. A lack of public participation, disregard for local culture and practices,
false promises, corruption, land conflicts, and resource grabs have characterised many
land acquisitions in Mozambique (Ribeiro et al. 2009). Several larger-scale initiatives
have displayed corruption on behalf of community leaders. In some instances, investors
and government officials have bribed community leaders in order to gain community
consent without community consultation (Ribeiro et al. 2009). The use of out-grower
and other contracted smallholder arrangements have proven to be more equitable than
large-scale plantations in terms of land access, and these could represent a positive
model for local livelihoods and the environment (Sulle et al. 2009).
Efforts to consult and resolve Jatropha-related conflicts with local people have
been found wanting. In Tanzania and Mozambique, processes have been characterised
by weak dissemination of community rights and information, little translation of docu-
ments into local languages, a lack of transparency, and little to no opportunity for local
farmers to be engaged in Jatropha farming (Ribeiro et al. 2009; Mutch 2010). There is
a need for processes that enhance community participation in Jatropha-related discus-
sions, particularly before any land has been ceded to these initiatives or decisions have
been made about them. This is particularly important in light of the fact that many
rural communities lack the resources for and information on legal processes (Ribeiro
et al. 2009). Free prior and informed consent, based on secure land tenure of local
residents, should be a fundamental requirement, and production on contested land
should be prevented (Cotula et al. 2008).
10.2.2 Impacts on local landholdings and land use
are minimised
Our case study investigation revealed that local respondents were not consulted about
potential Jatropha projects in their regions, and were surprised to learn that their
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