Possibility of food and biofuel production in developing countries

Abstract

The production of biofuel has gotten considerable attention around the world including developing countries despite a lot uncertainty. Many attempts have been made to determine the possibility of biofuel production at different regions of the world. These studies have shortcomings in that the present situation rarely had not been considered. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methodology provides better estimates of both commodities (food and biofuel) taking into account the present level of yield and food demand. Hence, the current paper aims to provide better estimates up to the year 2025 based on the present size of cultivated land, level of yield and demand for food. Three different scenarios with three different diets were considered for the estimation of both commodities, but moderate diet against scenario 3 (S3) of production were considered in light with food security criteria production-demand ratio of 2. Food production converted to grain equivalent to incorporate the different composition of human diet. Estimation has been made to determine global possibility in general and then for developing countries in particular. In light with the above considerations, biofuel production from surplus agricultural land only satisfies 0.14% of the 2025 total global energy demands whereas the possibility in developing regions are overshadowed by growing population and food demands