The state of food and agriculture. 2008, Biofuels: prospects, risks and opportunities

Biofuels: prospects, risks and opportunities

The State of Food and Agriculture 2008 explores the implications of the recent rapid growth in production of biofuels based on agricultural commodities. The boom in liquid biofuels has been largely driven by policies in developed countries in support of climate-change mitigation, energy security and agricultural development. The growing demand for agricultural commodities for the production of biofuels is having significant repercussions on agricultural markets, and concerns are mounting over their negative impact on the food security of millions of people across the world. At the same time, the environmental impacts of biofuels are also coming under closer scrutiny. Biofuels also offer the opportunity for agricultural and rural development - if appropriate policies and investments are put in place.
Part 1. Biofuels: prospects risks and opportunities -- 1. Introduction and key messages -- 2. Biofuels and agriculture - a technical overview -- 3. Economic and policy drivers of liquid biofuels -- 4. Biofuel markets and policy impacts -- 5. Environmental impacts of biofuels -- 6. Impacts on poverty and food security -- 7. Policy challenges -- Part 2. World food and agriculture in review.

xi, 128 p.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-126).

9789251059807
0081-4539