Sugarcane Bioenergy for Sustainable Development : Expanding Production in Latin America and Africa

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of the growing of crops for use in bioenergy production rather than for food. This has been particularly the case for sugarcane in Latin America and Africa. This book examines the further potential in the context of the food versus fuel debate, and as a strategy for sustainable development.

Detailed case studies of two countries, Colombia and Mozambique, are presented. These address the key issues such as the balance between food security and energy security, rural and land development policies, and feasibility and production models for expanding bioenergy. The authors then assess these issues in the context of broader sustainable development strategies, including implications for economics, employment generation, and the environment. The book will be of great interest to researchers and professionals in energy and agricultural development.

Luís A.B. Cortez is a former Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering (FEAGRI) and Interdisciplinary Center of Energy Planning, (NIPE) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Presently, he is Institutional Relations Advisor of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Brazil.

Manoel Regis L.V. Leal is a Researcher for the LACAf Project at the Interdisciplinary Center of Energy Planning (NIPE) of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, and Researcher for the Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology National Laboratory (CTBE), Brazil.

Luiz A. Horta Nogueira is consultant to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Associate Researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center of Energy Planning (NIPE) of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil.