Community Level Production and Utilization of Jatropha Feedstock in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe

by Enos Shumba, et al (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) The bio-fuel debate has largely focused on large feedstock plantations that produce products for the export market. It has not acknowledged and seriously considered the existence of considerable small scale feedstock production that is targeted at uses other than large scale bio-fuels. Such initiatives can make a difference to household economies through the use of jatropha as a live fence/hedge; a source of energy for cooking and lighting; to make soap, lotions and floor polish; and organic fertilizer (from seed cake). The nature and magnitude of such local level livelihood initiatives have, however, remained relatively un-investigated.

The objective of this Study was to document experiences of civil society organizations in promoting community level production and utilization of jatropha feedstock. Environment Africa has been doing this in Zimbabwe and Malawi; and Organization Development and Community Management Trust in Zambia. The Study was carried out in Mudzi district-Zimbabwe, Chikwawa district-Malawi and Chibombo district-Zambia. A survey questionnaire was administered to randomly selected jatropha feedstock growers in the three districts.

Key findings from the study were that:
• The jatropha plant is largely grown as a live fence or alley crop and receives very little management attention apart from annual pruning. This partly explains the low seed yields realized by the bulk of the growers. In these studies, yields ranged from 0.1-2.3 tons/per ha with the majority of growers achieving less than 0.8t/ha;
• At current low seed yields, jatropha feedstock production for community and large scale production is largely economically unattractive if the intended product is bio diesel alone;
•
• Growing jatropha feedstock for local level processing and utilization appears to be more economically attractive than selling seed for bio-fuel production. However, the situation might change if the relative price of fossil fuel increases relative to that of bio-diesel in future. Most of the value added products are used or sold within the community and are generally of low quality; and,
• Community jatropha feedstock production and utilization can create a range of products and may serve as a catalyst for local market development.

Key recommendations drawn from the Study are:
• The need to substantially raise jatropha feedstock seed yield through research and development in order to improve its economic appeal for community and large scale production for both bio-diesel production and other products;
• The need to broaden the jatropha feedstock product range, improve product quality and seek external markets for products produced at community level. A market study of value added jatropha based products is therefore necessary; and,
• The need to broaden community level energy sources beyond wood fuel which is a major cause for deforestation and contributor to Green House Gas emissions. A market study on current and potential cleaner energy sources and how they compare with jatropha feedstock is therefore recommended. It will involve the identification, economic assessment and demand projections for various renewable energy sources READ MORE