Social Aspects

The economic advantages of producing biofuels for the community are maximized through local investment, ownership and the creation of jobs, all of which keep profits within the community. Other important social issues, such as off-grid electricity and fuel for grain processing, can bring a wide range of welfare benefits to remote rural areas. Among biofuel scenarios, biodiesel and vegetable oil seem to be preferable concerning social issues, with respect to bioethanol. For instance, the Brazilian agro-energy plan 2006-2011 addresses specific issues of social improvement in association with biodiesel development. In Africa, some studies referring to the situation of Mozambique showed that the development of biofuel production can lead to significant welfare benefits. However, considerable risks associated with biofuel crops are worth mentioning. Social risks comprise effects of land use changes, particularly if indigenous people are expropriated and pressure is put on scarce natural resources such as water and good quality soil. Food insecurity is an issue receiving more and more attention. Furthermore, food prices can rise, putting more pressure on poorer communities in urban areas. It may be concluded that in the mid to long term the biofuels may lead to significant social benefits, especially in developing countries. However, the expansion of this sector must be strictly ruled by adequate policy: primarily to control the share of food vs. fuel in the allocation of cropland; secondly, to avoid unbalances in income distribution; thirdly, to insure that land ownership and rights are respected and that welfare and security of local communities are held as key issue of any initiative. Several case studies are presented, to better elucidate the concepts: among the favourable cases, a community project in Mozambique (ADPP Project, Bilibiza), the transformation of local Jatropha into electricity in Mali (Practical Action Consulting, 2009), biofuels and gender issues in India (Banda et al., 2009). Among the unfavourable cases, labour and human rights in Brazil (Amnesty International Report, 2008), elephants under threat in Ethiopia (FoE, 2010) and planting Jatropha in India (FoE, 2009).