Factors Influencing Biofuel Production in Western Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Kiptoo, Daisy
Waswa, Sharon
Njiru, Magdalene Kagendo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJLSAR
Abstract
: Biofuel production is at the forefront of the agenda of many countries across the globe
in the quest to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy access. The increase in oil prices
and climate change have been the drivers to ensure the adoption of biofuels. With the global
consumption of oil projected to increase, biofuel provides a viable option for a clean, affordable, and
climate-friendly source of fuel. However, biofuel production is in Kenya faced with various
challenges. Therefore, the study sought to assess the factors that influence biofuel production in
Western Kenya. The qualitative research design was adopted with both primary and secondary data
collected. Data collection was through interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and a
review of secondary data. The results established that there was a link between food security and
biofuel production. Factors influencing the production of biofuel in Western Kenya included the lack
of a specific national biofuel policy framework that promotes sustainable development and use of
biofuels, limited research, insufficient feedstock to increase production, over-reliance on rain-fed
agriculture to grow energy crops, inadequate technology and technical expertise and some
knowledge among stakeholders regarding the need and importance of biofuel deployment across the
country. There is need for alternative sustainable farming methods that can incorporate cane farming
and food crop farming to ensure food security, better farming practices to increase the cane yield,
and research on consumer attitudes and behaviours towards biofuels to promote the adoption of the
technology.
Description
Article
Keywords
Environmental sustainability, Land use change, Renewable energy, Socio-economic sustainability, sugar cane production, food security
Citation
Kiptoo, Daisy, Sharon, W., & Njiru Magdalene Kagendo. (2023). Factors Influencing Biofuel Production in Western Kenya. International Journal of Life Science and Agriculture Research, 2(7), 181–192. https://doi.org/10.55677/ijlsar/V02I07Y2023-05