Title: Understanding sustainable biofuel development: a sub-Saharan Africa perspective

Authors: Ian Duvenage; Lindsay C. Stringer; Craig Langston; Keitha Dunstan

Addresses: Department of Sustainability Science, Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia ' Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK ' Department of Construction and Facilities Management, Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia ' Faculty of Business, School of Business, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia

Abstract: Considerable effort has been put into developing sustainability assessment frameworks for biofuel production in developing countries. Nevertheless, their successful implementation remains problematic in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this challenge in this paper, through a thorough examination of academic and grey literature, repeatedly occurring sustainability aspects/issues were drawn from internationally recognised biofuel assessment frameworks. Theoretical framings that corresponded with the interlinking socio-environmental-economic qualities and issues for achieving sustainability through ethical implementation conformity (political ecology, development economics, social capital and institutional economics) were then used to inform development of a conceptual framework that could guide biofuel project implementation in sub-Saharan Africa to address complex sustainability issues. The supporting theories pursue sustainable development through, amongst others, an emphasis on the more equitable dispersal of costs and benefits through transparent networking in rural settings and the integration of contrasting viewpoints of diverse stakeholders in emerging economies.

Keywords: developing countries; sustainability; local communities; livelihoods; equality; sustainable biofuel development; sub-Saharan Africa; marginalisation; political ecology; development economics; social capital; institutional economics; environmental impact; biofuels; sustainable development; rural communities; rural areas; emerging economies.

DOI: 10.1504/AJESD.2013.053055

African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development, 2013 Vol.2 No.1, pp.72 - 98

Published online: 28 Feb 2014 *

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