Key messages on “How to design, implement and replicate sustainable small-scale livelihood-oriented bioenergy initiatives, based on the Technical Consultation held in FAO, Rome, 28-29 October 2009These key messages are drawn from the Technical Consultation on "How to design, implement and replicate sustainable small-scale livelihood-oriented bioenergy initiatives", which was held in FAO, Rome, 28-29 October. They enforce the findings of recent studies on small scale bioenergy development schemes by UN agencies such as UNDESA, UNEP, FAO, and experience from other organizations like SNV, Practical Action, GVEP-I and FACT Foundation. They show that Sustainable Small-Scale Livelihood-oriented Bioenergy (SSLB) initiatives can provide improved access to sustainable and affordable energy services and enhance livelihoods for rural people and resilience to climate change, without negative impact on food production and the environment. However significant challenges lie ahead regarding their up scaling to a level where they have significant impacts. These key messages provide some practical indications on how to address those issues. Download the key messages here. For further information on the Technical Consultation, please have a look at these background documents and the presentations of the participants. Algae-based Biofuels: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries. Printed version now available
Download the document here. New publication Making Sustainable Biofuels Work for Smallholder Farmers and Rural Households
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In this review paper the different technological components and the most common systems for culturing algae for energy purposes are discussed . It serves as an initial analysis of suitability and environmental, economic and social sustainability in the context of potential and threats for developing countries. The printed version is available now as part of the Environment, Climate Change and Bioenergy Division (NRC) Green Series.
The issue paper "Making Sustainable Biofuels Work for Smallholder Farmers and Rural Households" provides an overview of the main risks and opportunities that may arise from liquid biofuel production and use in developing countries. Both the potential environmental impacts and the socio-economic effects of liquid biofuel production and use are discussed, focusing, in particular, on the household-level implications. Recommendations on how to minimize the risks and exploit the rural development and poverty reduction potential offered by liquid biofuels are also included in the paper...