Currently there is a global debate on the possible positive and negative impacts of biofuels. Jatropha curcas L. is frequently mentioned as a promising first generation biofuel crop. Based on claims that it can grow on marginal land, requiring little water, nutrients and farm management, the assumption is often made that it does not compete with food crops. Based on fieldwork, this study assesses the Jatropha value chain and its potential for pro-poor biofuel development in Northern Tanzania. After exploring the entire value chain and its end markets, a stakeholder analysis is conducted. Performance along the chain is determined by analyzing its three key determinants: competitiveness, governance and the enabling environment. Gross margin calculations and a SWOT analysis are provided for all relevant value chain activities. To conclude, the potential for pro-poor development is assessed.
The Green Myth?
Currently there is a global debate on the possible positive and negative impacts of biofuels. Jatropha curcas L. is frequently mentioned as a promising first generation biofuel crop. Based on claims that it can grow on marginal land, requiring little water, nutrients and farm management, the assumption is often made that it does not compete with food crops. Based on fieldwork, this study assesses the Jatropha value chain and its potential for pro-poor biofuel development in Northern Tanzania. After exploring the entire value chain and its end markets, a stakeholder analysis is conducted. Performance along the chain is determined by analyzing its three key determinants: competitiveness, governance and the enabling environment. Gross margin calculations and a SWOT analysis are provided for all relevant value chain activities. To conclude, the potential for pro-poor development is assessed.
Conclusion
It is concluded that there is little knowledge on important issues such as production costs and feasibility compared to other crops. In general, Jatropha requires common inputs such as nutrients, water and farm management, thereby competing with food and other crops. Furthermore, Jatropha is not immune to pests and fungi. Hence, it is not the promising biofuel crop it is said to be. Under certain conditions, the Jatropha value chain could contribute to pro-poor biofuel development in Northern Tanzania. An example is rural off-grid electrification and related services through Multifunctional Platforms that run on Jatropha. But for now the Jatropha value chain is still in an incipient stage.
Download
The complete publication is available for download. Two download links are provided. The normal file contains high resolution figures and illustrations, e.g. for printing purposes, but may take longer to download. The small file takes less time to download but contains only low resolution images, e.g. for web viewing purposes. For maximum readability the normal file is recommended.
Download normal PDF (7.8 MB)
Download small PDF (884 KB)
Tip: right-click and choose "Save target as..."
Download normal PDF (7.8 MB)
Download small PDF (884 KB)
Tip: right-click and choose "Save target as..."
Jatropha Stakeholder Workshop
On Wednesday the 7th of May 2008 a Jatropha Stakeholder Workshop was hosted by SNV in Arusha, Tanzania. The goal of this workshop was to share the preliminary findings of the Jatropha study, bring together different stakeholders, identify important issues and discuss the way forward. The workshop was held in the City Link Pentagon Hotel in Arusha and sixteen stakeholders participated. The summary and the main presentation can be downloaded below.
Download Workshop Summary (288 KB)
Download Workshop Presentation (398 KB)
Download Workshop Summary (288 KB)
Download Workshop Presentation (398 KB)
The author: available for employment
Lode Messemaker is an ambitious renewable energy professional with management experience and a strong international focus. He recently earned an MSc degree in International Development Studies at Utrecht University in The Netherlands, while specializing in the Jatropha biofuel value chain. Earlier, Messemaker finished the BSc program in Human Geography and Urban Planning. Apart from numerous side jobs, his experience includes organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SNV, Utrecht University and the Royal Dutch Geographical Society.
Management experience includes the founding of a successful company as well as project management at Utrecht University. As vice-president of the Utrecht Association of Geography Students (V.U.G.S.), Messemaker was responsible for fundraising, acquisition and external partnerships and was head of various committees. Furthermore, Messemaker was executive producer of the Dutch film Wim Eggink and was member of the board of directors at the USF student union.
His international experience includes six months of voluntary work in Bolivia, participation in various international excursions and congresses, as well as journeys to most EU countries and Egypt, Turkey, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia and Singapore. Most recently, Messemaker completed a four month internship for SNV (Netherlands Development Organization) in Tanzania.
After finishing his latest project at Utrecht University and traveling through Europe and China, Lode Messemaker is currently available for employment, preferably in sustainable development.
Download curriculum vitae (Dutch, 93 kB)
Copyright © 2008 Lode Messemaker. All rights reserved.