Are biofuels an efficient technology for generating sustainable development in oil-dependent African nations ?

Marie Hélène Dabat (), Elodie Hanff and Joël Blin ()
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Marie Hélène Dabat: UMR ART-Dev - Acteurs, Ressources et Territoires dans le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Cirad-ES - Département Environnements et Sociétés - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
Joël Blin: UPR Biomasse-énergie - Biomasse-énergie - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Cirad-PERSYST - Département Performances des systèmes de production et de transformation tropicaux - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement

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Abstract: This paper discusses the opportunity for substituting fossil fuels with biofuels in a Sahelian country, Burkina Faso. Bearing in mind the strong link between energy and development, and given the country's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, our study showed that the overall economy (private and public companies and basic social services) and the State Budget could be seriously affected if no viable and local alternative is integrated into the national energy strategy. In view of local potential, it is recommended that adequate energy resources be sought in order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development. Biofuel opportunities are discussed taking into account technical, agronomic and land potentials in this country. Diversification of energy resources with biofuels would substantially reduce fuel imports in the short term, improve overall public finances, provide a chance to develop agriculture and provide benefits for the locals. However, if they are to generate development, biofuel projects need to be mindful of food security and economic incentives, and should be part of national agricultural strategies.

Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

Published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2011, 15 (5), pp.2199-2209. ⟨10.1016/j.rser.2011.01.014⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03062104

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.01.014

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