Biofuels, land access and rural livelihoods in Mozambique

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Biofuels have come to be regarded as an important option for reducing consumption of petroleum, a policy goal resulting from recent high oil prices, energy security concerns, and climate change. In Africa this interest is reflected in the rapid expansion of biofuel markets, increased private and public funding, and support for incorporating biofuels into government policies and development plans.

Biofuels, land access and rural livelihoods in Mozambique

In recent years, global demand for biofuels has increased as a result of changing oil prices coupled with concerns over energy security and climate change. In Mozambique, private investors have expressed growing interest in biofuel production. While this trend may create new livelihood opportunities, it may also undermine access to land and natural resources for rural people.

This new report explores the early impacts of the biofuels boom on access to land and on local livelihoods in Mozambique. It draws on fieldwork on biofuel projects representing different business models for agricultural production.

This IIED-report is produced in a series of landmark reports showing how various potential threats and opportunities from biofuels expansion are playing out in reality. For more information view IIED's online Biofuels - Africa focus