Potentials and limitations of bio-fuel production in Tanzania

Biofuels production and consumption are heating up debates and energizing activities in different policy forums in the world. It is believed that promoting widespread use of biofuels would provide greater energy security; counteract increasing fossil fuel prices, mitigate climate change effects through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to sustainable development though improved quality of life for rural and urban populations, increase incomes through job creation and poverty alleviation. Currently, the world is grappling with a new oil crisis whereby prices have just hit $139 per barrel and are poised to get higher. Biofuels are promoted as one way out. However, there are increasing concerns from different parts of the world on the high dependence on production and use of biofuels, mainly that biofuels are not a panacea to the energy crisis, and expectations could be unrealistic, and at worst could invite several ecological, socioeconomic, technical, and land insecurity problems. This paper analyses the potentials and limitations of producing and consuming biofuels in Tanzania through literature review and consultations. It was found that the country has potential resources that include suitable lands, as well as the willingness of the people, government and investors. Nevertheless, there are several limitations that hinder sustainable development of this energy source that need to be addressed. Of these, the expansion of the agricultural frontier is a key concern as it will have direct impact on land availability for competing uses, availability to food crops, overuse of water resources, and threaten biodiversity and environmental quality. On the social side, there are important concerns about the impacts of biofuel production on land security, food security, labour practices and the distribution of costs and benefits along the trade chain. Another more pressing issue is on whether raw products or processed fuels will be exported, and how much will be used domestically. However, despite these worries, with the increasing fossil fuel prices and security concerns, the need for fuel switching options to biofuels production and use in Tanzania can not be avoided. Therefore, there is a need for in-depth socio-economic, environment and technological studies before Tanzania capitalizes fully on the opportunity offered by biofuels sub-sector so as to minimize the possible associated negative impacts to the environment, economy, political and social arena. A policy and legal framework is required to guide the development and growth of sustainable biofuels sector in Tanzania. Keywords: Climate change-Biodiversity-Food security-Environmental impacts-Policy framework