Civil Society Seminar: Prospects and Pitfalls of Farming Agrofuels in Africa

Date: 2008-12-03 to Invalid date

Civil Society Seminar: Prospects and Pitfalls of Farming Agrofuels in Africa
Pretoria, 3 December 2008

Closed event - by invitation only

Hosted by the The ISS Corruption and Governance Programme and the African Centre for Biosafety

As a result of the ongoing pursuit of energy in the global North, deals are being struck with African countries to convert large tracts of land for the industrial farming of food crops to produce agrofuel. This comes as countries in the global North are under pressure to meet the demand of their liquid fuel dependent economies, while dealing with high crude oil prices and the detrimental impact of fossil fuel on climate change. Agrofuel production in the global South is seen to be a greener and perhaps cheaper way to meet these demands. It is also seen as a way to assist ailing African economies by providing jobs and much needed revenue for the State. While, the phenomenon has intensified across the African continent it has also drawn sharp criticism from groups across the world. In late 2007, African civil organizations called on their governments to declare a moratorium on agrofuel developments because of threats to food and water security and illegal confiscation of land. Supporting these calls, a leaked World Bank report confirms that the increase of agrofuels has caused a spiral in food prices across the world. Evidence is also emerging that production is damaging the climate.

With this in mind, and taking into account previous efforts by African civil society to deal with this critical issue, how do we as civil society now collaboratively and strategically broaden our understanding of the impacts of agrofuels production? Furthermore, how do we use research and experience in advocacy to engage our governments and people and to develop an African response? Findings from country reports including Ethiopia, and Southern Africa will be critically discussed by key representatives of African civil society organizations.

Date: 3 December 2008
Venue: Cascades Guesthouse, 174 Premier Avenue, Waterkloof, Pretoria

Enquiries: Ms Mercy Erhiawarien, Tel: (021) 461 7211; Email: [email protected]

This event is made possible by generous funding for ISS received from the Royal Norwegian Embassy based in Pretoria and from EED, ACB’s sponsoring partner in Germany, and is supported by the  Groundwork and Timberwatch organisations

Seminar Documentation