Tropical Agroforestry for Biofuels Production

Abstract

Biofuels are a promising alternative to fossil fuels whose combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, which is linked to global warming. Biofuel production using agroforestry practices is emerging as a valuable co-benefit of agroforestry. Feedstock for biofuel includes wood biomass, starch, sugars, and vegetable oils. Biofuel crops are cultivated in the tropics and some of them have potential for exploitation within agroforestry systems. Agroforestry tropical woody species valued for biodiesel production include Azadirachta indica, Balanites aegyptica, Calophyllum inophyllum, Jatropha curcas, Elaeis guineensis Jacq., Nephelium lappaceum, Mesua ferrea, Pongamia glabra and Pongamia pinnata. Agricultural crops such as sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) are being promoted for bioethanol production whereas soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is for biodiesel production. Biofuel production in the tropics using agroforestry practices is environmentally friendly, as it addresses climate change and food security concerns, thereby reducing pressure exerted by local farmers on forests. However, to promote biofuel production using agroforestry practices in the tropical context, it is imperative to design viable tree-crop systems that include biofuel crop species. The use of agricultural crops from agroforestry systems that are in the human food chain for biofuel production is not a socially or economically viable option in the tropics because it can exacerbate the problems of food insecurity. The agroforestry systems designed to improve food security while producing feedstock for biofuel are socially and economically acceptable while providing environmental benefits.