Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa: The Case of Mozambique

Channing Arndt, Rui M.S. Benfica and James Thurlow

No 125395, 2012 Conference, August 18-24, 2012, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil from International Association of Agricultural Economists

Abstract: We use a gendered dynamic CGE model to assess the implications of biofuels expansion in a low-income, land-abundant setting. Mozambique is chosen as a representative case. We compare scenarios with different gender employment intensities in producing jatropha feedstock for biodiesel. Under all scenarios, biofuels investments accelerate GDP growth and reduce poverty. However, a stronger trade-off between biofuels and food availability emerges when female labor is used intensively, as women are drawn away from food production. A skills-shortage amongst female workers also limits poverty reduction. Policy simulations indicate that only modest improvements in women’s education and food crop yields are needed to address food security concerns and ensure broader-based benefits from biofuels investments.

Keywords: Food Security and Poverty; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 43
Date: 2012
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr, nep-agr, nep-dem, nep-env and nep-hme
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Related works:
Journal Article: Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa: The Case of Mozambique (2011)
Working Paper: Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa: The Case of Mozambique (2011)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:iaae12:125395

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.125395

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