(2010-12-22) Biofuels, land access and rural livelihoods in Mozambique
By Isilda Nhantumbo and Alda Salomão
International Institute for Environment and Development London, 2010
Available for download at: www.iied.org
"With abundant land resources and favourable environmental conditions, Mozambique is considered to have one of the largest biofuel production potentials in Africa. However, this report documents how the spread of biofuel production is affecting the poor's access to land and natural resources.
Based on case studies of three biofuel projects and interviews with stakeholders, the study highlights how poorer groups are losing access to their land because appropriate conditions are not in place.
Despite legislation to protect the land rights of local communities, the authors conclude that the design and implementation of these policy tools are 'riddled with difficulties'. The inability of the government to enforce legislation, poor planning, a lack of compliance with existing land use plans, and inadequate coordination between government agencies, are exacerbating conflict over land.
The report highlights the need for appropriate policies to regulate the biofuel sector and more thorough scrutiny of investment proposals and the potential costs involved. Clearer definitions of 'marginal land' and improved agro-ecological zoning are also called for. Informing national and international debates on biofuel production, this report is of key interest to all those who need and should know about how biofuel projects impact on poverty reduction, food security, and biodiversity."
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(2010-12-22) 
