Land use from below: biofuels, urbanization and sustainable soil management in Europe and Africa

This chapter surveys some intersections between the world of biofuels policy formation and the realities of 1st- and 2nd-generation biofuels production in Europe and developing countries, with a special emphasis on the continent of Africa. After reviewing the logic of the modeled response that supported agro- and biofuels development, the chapter discusses the agronomic consequences of agrofuels production, including market creation and expansion, crop production practices, nutrient requirements for different crops, and the implications for global food supplies. Following the 2008 sharp rise in global food prices, second generation biofuels and the production of biofuels on marginal land were promoted. The implications of using crop and forest residues and herbaceous and woody plants as feedstocks are addressed. Attention then turns to the emerging biofuels industry on the African continent. The chapter concludes with discussion of the interactions among biofuels production, urbanization and ideas about sustainable soil management.