Bioenergy and Agriculture: promises and challenges

“A 2020 Vision for Food, Agriculture, and the Environment" FOCUS Brief, No. 14, december 2006

This brief examines the potential opportunities and risks bioenergy may pose for poor people and farmers in developing countries. The brief consider economic, social, environmental, and science and technology issues, looking at how increased bioenergy production may affect the global food balance and examine the need for further research and development in the bioenergy field. Lessons from the experiences of Europe, as well as Brazil and other developing countries, are reviewed. Recommendations on how to move forward to develop bioenergy in ways that can serve the poor and the environment are presented.