Bio-fuel from Jatropha plants as an alternative fuel source for communities

Many rural communities in Madagascar rely on kerosene as their primary fuel source. Increased energy prices, however, have encouraged uncontrolled logging for firewood. The result of this is rapid deforestation and land erosion, putting both communities and biodiversity at risk.

The Low Carbon Enterprise Fund is assisting a Madagascan company with the cultivation of a biodiesel crop, Jatropha curcas. This crop can be planted on degraded land unsuitable for other crops and helps curb erosion. This project has created livelihoods for local communities and provided them with an alternative source of income. The biodiesel produced from the fruit of the plant could also be used as a source of fuel for surrounding villages, reducing their dependence on costly, imported fuel.

The LCEF’s loan has enabled the venture to lease 300 hectares of land from the government and purchase an oil mill to produce biodiesel. The venture is experiencing difficulty however, first in the form of adverse weather conditions, followed by political unrest. Our consultants have visited the project to assess the challenges, but the outcome of the venture is still uncertain.