Recently there has been an increase in the production of first-generation biofuels, particularly ethanol and biodiesel, from food-crop biomass. Ethanol is mainly extracted from sugar cane and maize, and biodiesel mainly from rapeseed, palm, soy, and jatropha. Therefore, the production of first-generation fuels competes with food agricultural production. Biofuels offer opportunities in terms of energy security, environmental impact mitigation, and climate change mitigation. They also help provide cheap and locally produced energy. In this way, 4 million people living in rural areas who otherwise have no access to electricity can find resolution on this energy issue (Diouf 2008). With these benefits come important risks, especially with respect to food security. Concerns regarding these negative effects first surfaced during the 2007–2008 global financial crisis, during which numerous studies identified increased biofuel production as one of the leading causes of soaring food prices on international markets. This was an increase in production that, moreover, sees similar forecasts to the year 2050, with no indication of slowing. The publication of world population estimates prepared during the same period indicated that by 2050, there would be more than 9 billion people worldwide. Under this scenario, the ability of the primary sector to satisfy the projected increase in food needs is in doubt. This debate has highlighted critical elements that relate to competition between food and agricultural energy production and possible negative effects. This article looks to analyse this debate. It starts by introducing the conceptual framework that defines food security and its determinants. Subsequently, the conflict between food production and biofuels is taken up, with a focus on the supports that first-generation biofuel production has received by way of specific policies. Thereafter, analysis is undertaken of the main risks relating to competition between agricultural production for food and for energy, as well as the various production factors. The conclusion presents the main recommendations for preventing or otherwise mitigating the negative effects of conflict between food and bioenergy production efforts.
Biofuels and Food Security : Future challenges and Opportunities
Monserrath Ximena Lascano Galarza
2016
Abstract
Recently there has been an increase in the production of first-generation biofuels, particularly ethanol and biodiesel, from food-crop biomass. Ethanol is mainly extracted from sugar cane and maize, and biodiesel mainly from rapeseed, palm, soy, and jatropha. Therefore, the production of first-generation fuels competes with food agricultural production. Biofuels offer opportunities in terms of energy security, environmental impact mitigation, and climate change mitigation. They also help provide cheap and locally produced energy. In this way, 4 million people living in rural areas who otherwise have no access to electricity can find resolution on this energy issue (Diouf 2008). With these benefits come important risks, especially with respect to food security. Concerns regarding these negative effects first surfaced during the 2007–2008 global financial crisis, during which numerous studies identified increased biofuel production as one of the leading causes of soaring food prices on international markets. This was an increase in production that, moreover, sees similar forecasts to the year 2050, with no indication of slowing. The publication of world population estimates prepared during the same period indicated that by 2050, there would be more than 9 billion people worldwide. Under this scenario, the ability of the primary sector to satisfy the projected increase in food needs is in doubt. This debate has highlighted critical elements that relate to competition between food and agricultural energy production and possible negative effects. This article looks to analyse this debate. It starts by introducing the conceptual framework that defines food security and its determinants. Subsequently, the conflict between food production and biofuels is taken up, with a focus on the supports that first-generation biofuel production has received by way of specific policies. Thereafter, analysis is undertaken of the main risks relating to competition between agricultural production for food and for energy, as well as the various production factors. The conclusion presents the main recommendations for preventing or otherwise mitigating the negative effects of conflict between food and bioenergy production efforts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
