Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa:The Case of Mozambique
Organization University of Copenhagen,The World Bank, United Nations University’s, World Institute for Development Economics Research, Helsinki, Finland
Year 2011
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.