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Unpacking livelihood challenges and opportunities in energy crop cultivation: perspectives on J atropha curcas projects in M ali
Author(s) -
Favretto Nicola,
Stringer Lindsay C,
Dougill Andrew J
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the geographical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1475-4959
pISSN - 0016-7398
DOI - 10.1111/geoj.12053
Subject(s) - livelihood , business , food security , poverty , energy security , citizen journalism , natural resource economics , economic growth , agricultural science , environmental planning , agricultural economics , agriculture , economics , renewable energy , geography , political science , engineering , environmental science , archaeology , electrical engineering , law
This study contributes to global debates on biofuels and rural development, providing insights into the role of J atropha curcas L . ( J atropha ) in addressing global poverty and promoting sustainable energy. J atropha energy crop investments have proliferated as a means to substitute imported oil, foster rural development and reduce poverty. This paper presents new mixed‐method assessments of the potential for, and initial impacts of, J atropha projects that aim to improve livelihoods and energy security in rural M ali, a leading proponent of J atropha cultivation. Factors affecting the socio‐economic and environmental vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers are assessed and capital assets available for different livelihood strategies are identified and evaluated. Comparative analysis of information gathered through participatory methods allows evaluation of the role played by J atropha cultivation in the determination of different livelihood outcomes. Data show that households involved with NGO or private sector activities linked to J atropha can gain financial capital from the sale of J atropha seeds and soap. Findings also show that small‐scale cultivation does not threaten food security. When grown on a small scale as a living fence, J atropha demarcates property, and reduces land tenure conflicts and soil erosion. Projects focusing on J atropha use for rural electrification offer potential to improve energy access. However, current supplies of J atropha oil remain insufficient for these benefits to materialise. On‐the‐ground challenges were identified, along with opportunities to better link policies to local‐level practices.