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Research Paper | Energy Materials and Sustainability | Kenya | Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023 | Popularity: 5.3 / 10

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Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Biofuel Production in Western Kenya

Kiptoo, Daisy, Waswa, Sharon

Abstract: Biofuel is a liquid or gaseous fuel sourced from biomass. They can be produced using the first generation which is from edible feedstock or the second generation from non-edible feedstock. Biofuels are a renewable source of energy, low-carbon promote rural development, and ensure energy security. They are essential in the transport sector (ethanol-gasoline blend) and substitute the use of fossil fuels. Biofuels can be used as cooking fuels, especially in developing countries, which reduces the reliance on firewood and charcoal. Climate change concerns and the availability of biofuel policies have been the key drivers of the deployment. Despite, its benefit, the increase in food prices in 2008 resulted in the debate on the food-biofuel nexus, questioning its sustainability. The study therefore sought to assess the socio-economic, as well as environmental impact of biofuel production in Western Kenya. The qualitative research design was adopted with both primary and secondary data collected. Data collection was through interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and a review of secondary data. The results established that there was a link between food security and biofuel production. Other impacts coupled with bioethanol production were land use change, loss of biodiversity, loss of soil fertility, job creation, poverty, economic viability, and energy security. There is need for alternative sustainable farming methods that can incorporate cane farming and food crop farming to ensure food security, better farming practices to increase the cane yield, and research on consumer attitudes and behaviors towards biofuels to promote the adoption of the technology.

Keywords: Renewable energy, Sugar cane production, food security, Land use change

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 10, October 2023

Pages: 1351 - 1362

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR23626103544

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