Potential for biofuel feedstock in Kenya

Titles in the Working Paper Series aim to disseminate interim results on agroforestry research and practices and stimulate feedback from the scientific community. Other publication series from the World Agroforestry Centre include Technical Manuals, Occasional Papers and the Trees for Change series. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the World Agroforestry Centre. Articles appearing in this publication may be quoted or reproduced without charge, provided the source is acknowledged. No use of this publication may be made for resale or other commercial purposes. All images remain the sole property of their source and may not be used for any purpose without written permission from the source. The geographic designation employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of an opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Agroforestry Centre concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. ABSTRACT Many developing countries, Kenya included, want to diversify their domestic energy supply hence reduce dependence on highly volatile fossil fuel prices, enhance access to energy in rural areas, promote rural development and to reduce carbon emissions. This study was done to assess the potential for supply of biofuel feedstock for bioethanol and biodiesel production for domestic consumption and export. To achieve this, key feedstocks were identified and their environmental suitability, production and yields analyzed. Gross margin as a tool was used to make an economic analysis of the production of the feedstocks compared to that of the most prominent food and cash crops. A review of the national biofuel strategies, policies and regulations currently adopted in Kenya was also done. The study established that sweet sorghum and castor are the most environmentally suitable bioethanol and biodiesel feedstock respectively. In terms of gross margins, sweet sorghum has the highest gross margin at KSh 67,584 followed by sugarcane at KSh 37,746 and cassava at KSh 20,240 per hectare for bioethanol feedstocks. For biodiesel feedstocks, sunflower has the highest gross margin at KSh 2,921 per hectare. It is expected that this study will play a significant role in guiding the policy makers in making important decisions to drive the biofuels sector forward.