How can biofuels contribute to the development of agriculture in sub- Saharan Africa ? WORLD FOOD PRIZE, Des Moines, October, st

The Context (1) The “schizophrenic” scheme Strong assertion of interest for rural development defined “everywhere” as a priority Resources allocated to agriculture and rural development are decreasing Every year between 12 and 16 million young 18 to 22 year old enter the market economy of sub- Saharan Africa 80% of them have no other “job” besides agriculture

The Context (2) In a context of heavy poverty where the majority of the poor live in rural areas, agriculture is the stage where conflicts of interest intensify.

The Challenges African agriculture has 3 main challenges to overcome Productivity Land property Agricultural training

The Myths Assumptions Technological innovations to boost productivity in agriculture can be made without the producer’s support Politicians are implicitly supposed to be “autonomous” Africa is “poor” (Yet total food imports: +$13 billion Capital flight: $30 billion (UNCTAD, 2003)

How should we use biofuels? To reduce rural poverty At the local level (village), where there is a lack of electricity in houses For generators, to activate pumps Fact: 90% of rural WCA living without electricity Public policies must deal with the use of biofuels

The Goals Move from a “lack of fuel” environment to an advanced technology (biofuels) Technological leap Use plants that do not compete with food crops (ex: Jatropha which grows on dry land) A lternatives Give the producers the opportunity to manage this process locally, so that the added value stays in local areas Local manage ment

The Prerequisites “ Understand that the environment effects of bioenergy require a careful analysis of impacts across their whole life-cycle in order to pinpoint support for the most efficient and sustainable bio-mass production” (Knauf, Maier, Sugrue, 2006) Establish “political regulations” so that social problems do not increase (i.e access to water and/or land) and food security is not jeopardized.

The Risks Food Insecurity: Arable land in West Africa is scarce and is used to produce crops Land ownership concentration

The conditions for an agricultural “renaissance” Protect small farmers Political Condition “Produce integrated soil, water, nutrient and pest management approaches that are effective for African farmers” (InterAcademy Council, 2004) Scientific condition Build regional markets Economical and commercial condition

The promise of biofuels Contribute to greenhouse gas reduction (UNDP, 2005) Increase income in rural areas (UNCTAD, 2005) Reduce poverty (FAO, 2006)

Virtuous circle Concerted policy decisions Innovative and sustainable cultivation systems & technology Decentralized biofuel production (local production for local consumption) The promise of biofuels (2)

Are these the shadows of the things that Will be or are they shadows of the things that May be, only? Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol