Posted on May, 19 2015

The bio-fuel debate has largely focused on large feedstock plantations that produce products for the export market. It has not acknowledged and seriously considered the existence of considerable small scale feedstock production that is targeted at uses other than large scale bio-fuels. Such initiatives can make a difference to household economies through the use of jatropha as a live fence/hedge; a source of energy for cooking and lighting; to make soap, lotions and floor polish; and organic fertilizer (from seed cake). The nature and magnitude of such local level livelihood initiatives have, however, remained relatively un-investigated.
 

The objective of this Study was to document experiences of civil society organizations in promoting community level production and utilization of jatropha feedstock. Environment Africa has been doing this in Zimbabwe and Malawi; and Organization Development and Community Management Trust in Zambia. The Study was carried out in Mudzi district-Zimbabwe, Chikwawa district-Malawi and Chibombo district-Zambia. A survey questionnaire was administered to randomly selected jatropha feedstock growers in the three districts.