Author(s)

M. Havukainen, S. Väisänen, V. Uusitalo, M. Luoranen, J. Havukainen, R. Soukka

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to carry out an analysis on socioeconomic risks and benefits of biofuel production on different stages of biofuel production chain. Biofuels have gained increasing attention as an alternative to fossil fuels and as a potential way to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while contributing rural development in developing countries. In this paper socioeconomic risks and benefits related to biofuel production in developing countries were studied by going through related literature. In addition to greenhouse gas emission reductions, biofuel production is also expected to improve rural development. However, according to several studies, they pose some social and economic risks among the local farmers. First of all, the land for biofuel production is often acquired by clearing forest or replacing food production. Second of all, farming may cause some socioeconomic issues if farmers lose the control of their land. On the other hand, sustainable biofuel production could improve rural development and employment in developing countries. The results show that sustainability certificates should be developed further to avoid risks and gain benefits.

Keywords

biofuels, socioeconomic risks and benefits, sustainable development, certificates