A typology of Southern African biofuel feedstock production projects

Biofuel expansion is happening rapidly within Southern Africa, and already tens of thousands of hectares have been planted, with millions more being contemplated. As is expected with such a new and dynamic industry, this development has taken place in a relatively ad hoc fashion with the various role-players adapting as they respond to lessons learnt from experience, a changing policy environment and other external factors such as the global recession of 2008/2009. This emerging industry is extremely diverse and it is clear that biofuel projects differ enormously in their intent, feedstock choice and management practices. Some projects aim at satisfying local fuel self sufficiency whilst others focus on national and export markets driven by mandatory blending targets. In addition the area planted by a single farmer or company can range from under 1 ha intercropped with food crops to monocropped plantations of tens of thousands of hectares. In attempting to understand the potential sustainability of the industry there is a clear need for a typology which groups projects with common sustainability issues and concerns. Comparing like with like can greatly reduce the complexity of the biofuel debate; help identify areas of most concern and assists in identifying strategies for enhancing sustainability.