Food Security and Biofuels: A Case Study of Jatropha Curcas in Bolivia

Abstract

The paper analyzes a Bolivian region for possible cultivation of the oil plant Jatropha curcas for sustainable biodiesel production in order to replace in part Bolivia's diesel imports. The specific site for this study is located in the dry region of Gran Chaco in Santa Cruz. The aim of this work is to analyze the potential of useable land and resources for sustainable biodiesel production. from Jatropha without competition with edibles production using economic, environmental and social criteria. In addition the article introduces Jatropha as one of the preferred oíl plants for biodiesel production in severa! countries and indicates its different uses. The recornrnendation to cultivate Jatropha for biodiesel production is based on an exploration of the possibility of land use in the selected region and the benefits Jatropha production could offer. In this manner a sustainable cultivation of Jatropha in the region of Gran Chaco is recommended to produce biÓdiesel and to improve sorne of the environrnental problems facing the region.