Socio-economic impact of biofuel feedstock production on local livelihoods in Ghana

Abstract

The production of liquid biofuels has become an issue of concern in many developing countries, due mainly to the establishment of large-scale biofuel feedstock plantations. These plantations present potential socio-economic benefits, particularly in terms of agricultural employment, as well as risks. The spread of large-scale commercial production of biofuel crops in Ghana has raised concerns from civil society organizations, local communities and other parties. This paper draws on studies that have been conducted in Ghana to assess the socio-economic impact of large-scale production of biofuel crops, especially Jatropha, on the livelihoods of local communities and people in Ghana, focusing on land grabbing and alienation, impact on food production and security, and impact on employment and income generation. Even though the biofuel industry in Ghana is still in its early stages of development, the paper reveals that commercial biofuel production impacts significantly on the livelihoods of local people.