Namibia imposes ban on large-scale jatropha projects

The government of Namibia has imposed a temporary ban on large-scale jatropha projects while the country undertakes a study to assess the impact of the crop on food security and land tenure. In the continuing controversy on food versus fuel, eco-organizations have insisted that the development of jatropha for biofuel would intensify famine in the country. Jatropha curcas is a non-edible shrub which can be refined to produce diesel fuel, jet fuel and specialty chemicals. Its major benefit over other feedstocks is that it can be grown on lands that are not suitable for most crops. However, the government of Namibia has pointed out that it is unclear whether its development is financially viable. The ministry adds that investors have proposed the development of 988,400 acres of jatropha plantations which is significantly above the government’s target of 63,000 hectares by 2013. (June 1, 2011)