Sustainable biofuels in Africa: cultivation of Jatropha curcas in Mali and Malawi

Biofuel cultivation worldwide continues to increase in intensity and extent despite a lack of empirical data on the sustainability impacts. This briefing note reflects on two case studies from sub-Saharan Africa outlining the current context of the cultivation of the inedible, biodiesel crop Jatropha curcas (subsequently termed Jatropha). A variety of projects exist in both countries, driven by organisations with distinctly different approaches and motivations.

Favretto, N. and J.C. Dyer. 2010. Africa College policy briefing note, Leeds.