Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa : The Case of Mozambique

• Tác giả: Channing Arndt
• Ngôn ngữ: eng
• Ký hiệu phân loại: 336.20 Public finance
• Thông tin xuất bản: 2012
• Bộ sưu tập: Tài liệu truy cập mở
• ID: 256308
• Chủ đề: 1. Economics of Gender; 2. Measurement and Analysis of Poverty I320; 3. Non-labor Discrimination J160; 4. Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs I380; 5. Welfare and Poverty: Government Programs

Tóm tắt

We use a gendered dynamic CGE model to assess the implications of biofuels expansion in a low-income, land-abundant setting. Mozambique is chosen as a representative case. We compare scenarios with different gender employment intensities in producing jatropha feedstock for biodiesel. Under all scenarios, biofuels investments accelerate GDP growth and reduce poverty. However, a stronger trade-off between biofuels and food availability emerges when female labor is used intensively, as women are drawn away from food production. A skills-shortage among female workers also limits poverty reduction. Policy simulations indicate that only modest improvements in women's education and food crop yields are needed to address food security concerns and ensure broader-based benefits from biofuels investments.