Implications of climate change on sustainable biofuel production in Africa

Abstract

The global demand and production of biofuels is likely to increase in the future due to their ability to mitigate climate change and reduce reliance on expensive oil imports. Many African nations have formulated biofuel policies and have set ambitious biofuel targets. In Africa biofuel production from first generation biofuel feedstock like sugarcane and maize is being supplemented by crops like cassava and sorghum. Jatropha is also being promoted for biodiesel production. Biofuel crops are likely to be impacted by climate change similar to food crops and forests. Limited studies on projected changes in the distribution and productivity of biofuel feedstock in Africa are available. This chapter reviews and highlights some key climate change impacts on African biofuel crops like sugarcane, maize, sorghum, cassava and jatropha. Africa is projected to experience climate change on a significant scale with rise in temperature, decline in rainfall in many regions, and increased occurrence of droughts and floods. The projected climate change is likely to lead to land degradation, water stress, increased pest occurrence and ultimately reduction in yields of annual as well as perennial plantation crops. If biofuels are to be cultivated on a large-scale in Africa, it is very important to develop and adopt adaptation practices and strategies for sustainable crop yields.