Critical issues in bioenergy : exploring the opportunities constraints and trade -offs

Abstract

This paper outlines some of the technical, institutional and political considerations in the formulation of better and meaningful bioenergy strategies for serving Africa's social and economic development agenda. In the absence of a major shift in policy directions and technical interventions, the future appears even bleaker as the world faces a combination of rapidly increasing population, growing energy demand, volatile oil prices and an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). This contradictory scenario points to the fact that the current mode of energy–society relations is facing challenges that requires a re-think in the way energy is accessed, distributed and utilised. In this regard, bioenergy is an essential option for a wide-range of applications.