A lot of attention has been devoted to the impacts of bio-energy, particularly biofuel
production on developing countries. However, analysis is often done from a global perspective
and/or with a focus on developed country bio-energy policies, regarding developing
countries as passive receptors of actions in the North. The perspectives of developing
countries are neglected, particularly the impact of active local (national) bio-energy policies
and local production on local conditions.
This study wants to contribute to shedding light on the impacts of bio-energy production in
developing countries by looking at potential opportunities and threats of bio-energy for
poverty alleviation, food security and rural development in Namibia. It does so by assessing
bio-energy value chains and potential impact chains for (a) Jatropha curcas production for
biofuels (vegetable oil, bio-diesel) and (b) conversion of woody shrubs (bush) into bioenergy
(charcoal, pellets, biogas for electrification) in the northern parts of Namibia. Both
value chains are in the early stages of development, but their potential volume is considered
very high, their political and economic relevance important at the national level. It analyses
the instruments (policies, institutions) needed and available to regulate, guide and possibly
support bio-energy production in the different sectors and policy domains, and makes
recommendations how to improve this institutional framework.