ISS Seminar: Governance of Climate Change - Agrofuels: Africa's Green Gold Rush or Another Resource Curse?
Date: 2008-12-04 to Invalid date
Presented by the Corruption and Governance Programme, ISS Cape Town
As countries in the global North set new targets to keep their liquid fuel-dependent engines running, deals are being struck with African countries to convert large tracts of land for the industrial farming of food crops to produce fuel. With petroleum cost hikes and its link with detrimental climate change, agrofuels production in the global South is seen to be a greener and perhaps cheaper way to meet consumption demands. It is also seen as a way to assist ailing African economies by providing jobs and revenue for their governments’ fiscus. The phenomenon has thus intensified across the African continent. But the practice has drawn sharp and swift criticism from groups across the world. In late 2007, African civil society called on their governments to declare a moratorium on agrofuel developments because of threats to food and water security and the privatisation and illegal confiscation of lands. In fact, 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.
This seminar will follow immediately after a one day meeting of African civil society organizations. It draws on experiences from countries which are the focus of intensive agrofuel developments. Presenters will explore the impacts of production in their countries and provide an assessment of the prospects for agrofuels. Is it the new green gold rush? Or could this be Africa’s next resource curse?
Presentations include those from:
- Ethiopia: Negusu Aklilu, Forum for Environment
- Mozambique: Anabela Lemos, Justica Ambiental
- South Africa: Mariam Mayet, African Centre for Biosafety
- Tanzania: Abdallah Ramadhani Mkindi, Envirocare
- Uganda: Edward Nyakahuma, Climate and Development Initiative
Open Q & A to follow
Date: Thursday 4 December 2008
Time: 11h00 to 13h00 ( A light lunch will be served after the briefing)
Venue: Seminar Room, ISS Pretoria Office, Block C, Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street, New Muckleneuk, Tshwane (Pretoria)
RSVP: Ms Mercy Erhiawarien, Tel: (021) 461 7211; Email: [email protected] by 21 November
