Combining food and energy production systems for development

Access to sustainable sources of clean, reliable and affordable energy is crucial for ensuring long-term food security, poverty reduction and economic development. Yet, 1.5 billion people are without access to modern energy sources. In some cases, bioenergy, which is energy generated from agricultural products, can be an option for improved energy access and can stimulate agriculture productivity and poverty reduction. FAO’s Bioenergy and Food Security (BEFS) Rapid Appraisal tools allow policy-makers to gain an initial understanding of which bioenergy options might be viable, in a specific country context, as a means to promote improved and affordable energy access, while ensuring that food security is not compromised. The BEFS Rapid Appraisal aids policy-makers in assessing the agricultural sector context and constraints, the energy sector needs and exploring the potential for bioenergy development, covering technological, environmental and social dimensions.