Opinion & Analysis
Laws needed to guide biofuels development
An employee harvests fruits of jatropha in Taabo, Ivory Coast. The jatropha produces a seed oil, which can be used as diesel oil substitution for power plant or transportation diesel engine. Photo/AFP
Posted Wednesday, February 9 2011 at 00:00
We have also seen East African Breweries Limited promoting sorghum crop development in the Ukambani counties which are generally classified as semi-arid.
With this renewed focus on food crops in marginal areas, it is highly unlikely that the government will wish to emphasise promotion of biodiesel crops like jatropha in the same areas.
The government is likely to argue that intensified rural electrification and other customised solar gadgets will significantly sort our semi-arid areas energy needs especially for lighting.
The Ministry of Energy together with other relevant ministries need to reassess the biodiesel crops strategy to reflect these new developments.
Many farmers were encouraged to plant jatropha a few years ago and today they are waiting for guidance on what to do.
Mr Wachira is the director, Petroleum Focus Consultants.
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