Community participation in biofuels crop production in Zimbabwe - A focus on the policy and practical aspects

Feb 2010

The primary purpose of this policy and practice review publication is to assess the participation of community groups in biofuels production in Zimbabwe. The assessment is hypothetically based on the basis that monoculture farming for bio-fuels crop production may pose a threat to community livelihoods, land tenure systems, food security and generally environmental sustainability. This publication is based on field and desk research that was conducted by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA). In particular, field research was conducted in two farming communities namely Mutoko District, where communal farmers have already been growing jatropha as a hedge and decorative plant at home, as well as in Chegutu District where newly resettled farmers have been encouraged by government to grow jatropha. In addition, the publication is also based on literature review of existing and proposed policies and legal frameworks in Zimbabwe related to energy and biofuels production, marketing and distribution in Zimbabwe.
To give a comparative perspective on biofuels production in the region, the publication also gives an analysis of the policy and practical aspects of biofuels production in Mozambique and South Africa. In essence the research work was aimed at generating knowledge and advocating for a community responsive policy and legal framework on biofuels crops production in Zimbabwe.
The key questions and issues that this publication deals with are as follows; government position on promotion of biofuels feedstock production in communal or small scale farming areas and its sustainability as well as large scale commercial farms and the implications on the land tenure system, food security, energy security and environmental considerations in Zimbabwe. Further, the publication touches on the issue of investment in the agrofuels sector in Zimbabwe especially in community based initiatives and private sector investment. The publication also establishes the legal and policy position on agro-fuels production both from a national and regional perspective.

By: S. Mtisi, G. Makore (ZELA)

 
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