Bioenergy and African transformation

Abstract

Among the world’s continents, Africa has the highest incidence of food insecurity and poverty and the highest rates of population growth. Yet Africa also has the most arable land, the lowest crop yields, and by far the most plentiful land resources relative to energy demand. It is thus of interest to examine the potential of expanded modern bioenergy production in Africa. Here we consider bioenergy as an enabler for development, and provide an overview of modern bioenergy technologies with a comment on application in an Africa context. Experience with bioenergy in Africa offers evidence of social benefits and also some important lessons. In Brazil, social development, agricultural development and food security, and bioenergy development have been synergistic rather than antagonistic. Realizing similar success in African countries will require clear vision, good governance, and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, and business models to myriad local circumstances. Strategies for integrated production of food crops, livestock, and bioenergy are potentially attractive and offer an alternative to an agricultural model featuring specialized land use. If done thoughtfully, there is considerable evidence that food security and economic development in Africa can be addressed more effectively with modern bioenergy than without it. Modern bioenergy can be an agent of African transformation, with potential social benefits accruing to multiple sectors and extending well beyond energy supply per se. Potential negative impacts also cut across sectors. Thus, institutionally inclusive multi-sector legislative structures will be more effective at maximizing the social benefits of bioenergy compared to institutionally exclusive, single-sector structures.

Review of physicochemical properties and analytical characterization of lignocellulosic biomass

“…Agricultural wastes and forest residues are the most promising biomass feedstocks for their abundance and relatively low cost [5]. Traditional use of lignocellulosic biomass has been limited to burning for cooking and heating, which lead to significant negative environmental impacts such as land degradation and desertification [6]. By means of thermochemical or biochemical conversion routes, lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into energy or energy carriers.…”

Reconciling food security and bioenergy: priorities for action

“…Bioenergy can foster social development, which is a precondition for food security and sustainability. Bioenergy provides energy security not only for transport (and hence broader access to food, selling markets, employment, and services) but also for food processing, business development, and drying and storage of surplus production (Durham et al, 2012;Lynd et al, 2015). The latter, providing an outlet for surplus, diversifies sources of income and improves supply resilience in the event of market shocks or shortages.…”

Some like it hot

“…Recently, Lynd's team investigated the ability of six thermophilic microorganisms to breakdown switchgrass into soluble products, 3 which could then be fermented and ultimately used as fuel. The researchers showed that Clostridium thermocellum was twice as effective at breaking down switchgrass as the fungal enzymes currently used by industry.…”