ABSTRACT
A key difference between the bioeconomy and the fossil economy lies in the spatial aspects of resource supply and demand. This chapter provides an overview on the role of the sugarcane bioeconomy in supporting energy access and rural development, which are in turn connected to the broader aims embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Poverty reduction, food security and other fundamental development aims must be pursued alongside goals or targets aimed at improved energy access, particularly in rural areas of developing countries where poverty is often deepest. The chapter considers some different aspects and contributions of the sugarcane bioeconomy: energy access, livelihoods, poverty reduction and rural development. The developments in Latin America and Africa are briefly reviewed since sugarcane has played a rather important role in these regions in various aspects. Some overall conclusions on the role of the sugarcane bioeconomy are then provided.
