ABSTRACT
Abstract In spite of claims promoting the attributes of Jatropha curcas, there are many misconceptions, unsubstantiated claims and research gaps that need to be considered, particularly given the projected expansion of Jatropha cultivation across the tropics. It is thus an opportune time to assess the impacts of Jatropha from the perspective of rural livelihoods. The analytical framework presented in this chapter is intended to assist those at the local level in assessing the potential impacts of Jatropha (or other biofuel) projects. Three key lessons emerged from recent case study investigations into the socio-economic impacts of Jatropha in Ghana and Ethiopia – local consultation about potential biofuel projects is imperative, land alienation and decreases in the size of household landholdings must be minimised or mitigated, and Jatropha must have positive household-level socio-economic impacts. These form the basis of the analytical framework as the key criteria that local people could use to assess the potential impacts of Jatropha cultivation, production, and usage on their livelihoods. A detailed review of the relevant published and grey literature focused specifically on Jatropha, but drawing on more general biofuel-related literature as necessary, has identified the potential indicators in the framework. Wherever possible, conflicts and potential avenues for cooperation around Jatropha have been identified. This framework should be of use in other locations to assess Jatropha-related impacts, and could be amended to assess the livelihood impacts of other types of biofuels as well.
