The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) reported on an event held to demonstrate the potential contribution of biofuels to sustainable development.
In particular ICRAF emphasized that if greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets are to be met, approximately 26% of transport will need to be powered by biofuels by 2050.
5 June 2013: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have reported on an event held to demonstrate the potential contribution of biofuels to sustainable development. In particular, ICRAF emphasized that if greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets are to be met, approximately 26% of transport will need to be powered by biofuels by 2050.
However, presentations during the event cautioned that biofuels development must be well-managed in order to address all three pillars of sustainable development, as well as balance climate change mitigation and food security needs. According to the presentations, this implies: ensuring a stable market for biofuels; integrating biofuels into existing agricultural systems; ensuring multiple livelihood options for biofuel production; supporting technical innovation; and developing infrastructure for transport and market access.
The presentations drew upon case studies on a national biodiesel programme in Brazil, a programme to support biofuel production by smallholder farmers in India, and a programme targeting food security and energy security through biofuel production in Mozambique.
The event was held on the margins of the Bonn Climate Change talks and highlighted ICRAF’s Programme for the Development of Alternative Biofuel Crops. ICRAF is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [ICRAF Press Release]