EBOOKS

Community Participation in Biofuels Crop Production in Zimbabwe

By Mtisi Shamiso & Makore Gilbert

	FREE

OVERVIEW

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.

Published by: Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA)
Sponsored by: SIEMENPUU Foundation