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Socio-Economic Aspects of Rural Bioenergy Production

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Bioenergy from Wood

Part of the book series: Managing Forest Ecosystems ((MAFE,volume 26))

Abstract

This chapter covers the socio-economic costs and benefits of bioenergy production in developing countries. The chapter will consider the role local communities can play in the provision of biomass for energy and benefits they can gain in the process. It will analyse the externalities related to bioenergy production that could impact on the socio-economic well-being of local communities. It will consider aspects such as the conversion of land to bioenergy plantations and a change from agricultural food production to biomass production. Examples from across the globe will be used to highlight this socio-economic impact.

Bioenergy already serves as a critical energy source to rural households who rely on fuelwood for heating and cooking. The question is should local communities continue providing for their own bioenergy or should they be encouraged to become part of commercial bioenergy projects that could sell electricity, thereby providing a source of income for communities to pay for electricity. Unless bioenergy can be produced in a way that will enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people involved its sustainability as a renewable energy source is questionable.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest and Wood Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Cori Ham

  2. Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Theo E. Kleynhans

Authors
  1. Cori Ham
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  2. Theo E. Kleynhans
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Correspondence to Cori Ham .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Forest and Wood Science, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa

    Thomas Seifert

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Ham, C., Kleynhans, T.E. (2014). Socio-Economic Aspects of Rural Bioenergy Production. In: Seifert, T. (eds) Bioenergy from Wood. Managing Forest Ecosystems, vol 26. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7448-3_9

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