2.7 Conclusions
This chapter discussed some of the key critical aspects that can facilitate sustainable
bioenergy transitions in SSA. In particular, it outlined the importance of
(a) identifying and strengthening positive linkages across the different SDGs associated with bioenergy transitions in SSA; (b) choosing the most appropriate scales,
markets and production modes for modern bioenergy; (c) promoting integrated
landscape approaches for feedstock production and (d) fostering synergies between
climate mitigation and adaptation.
It must be noted that the choice of these critical aspects has been somewhat
selective, emphasising especially how biomass is utilised in the evolving context of
land-use change, climate change and development in SSA. Other important aspects,
such as water resource management and food security, were somewhat less
emphasised, but were highlighted where appropriate. Even though the focus has
been on transitions and pathways over time (as opposed to spatial aspects or
sustainability assessments at fixed points in time), some important aspects have
been highlighted in relation to how sustainability is evaluated and assessed in
existing bioenergy policies and related frameworks.
Modernising bioenergy systems is critical for achieving many of the SDGs in
SSA. Yet, it must be recognised that it is not simply a local and national issue, but
also a regional and international issue. Tradable and environment-friendly bioenergy
commodities must be developed across the continent. This could increase their
competitiveness with charcoal, which is practically the only widely available current
bioenergy commodity. Thus, modern bioenergy markets require deeper international
linkages and trade, as much as they require deeper local engagement. This is the dual
nature of the bioenergy transition facing SSA.
Bioenergy modernisation can in turn contribute to climate-compatible development, having both environmental and economic benefits. Thus the modernisation
process does not have to entail a conflict with ecological or equity goals, but can be
rather based on the best combination of local knowledge and global capital. In this
respect, the bioenergy transition is not just about meeting the SDGs per se, but also
about modernising economies in SSA by using their tremendous natural resource
base in a sustainable manner. This virtuous pathway could reduce the tendency
observed in many SSA countries to export raw materials (regardless of whether they
are renewable or non-renewable). Instead, it could be a starting point for creating
value-added knowledge-based products in the pursuit of a sustainable bioeconomy
for all.
Acknowledgements This chapter was partly based on a previous research synthesis funded
through institutional programme support provided to Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) by
the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) within the SEI Reducing
Climate Risk programme under the leadership of Richard J.T. Klein. However, SIDA was not
involved in the choice of research topics or questions. The opinions expressed in the chapter are
solely those of the authors.
72
F. X. Johnson et al.
This chapter discussed some of the key critical aspects that can facilitate sustainable
bioenergy transitions in SSA. In particular, it outlined the importance of
(a) identifying and strengthening positive linkages across the different SDGs associated with bioenergy transitions in SSA; (b) choosing the most appropriate scales,
markets and production modes for modern bioenergy; (c) promoting integrated
landscape approaches for feedstock production and (d) fostering synergies between
climate mitigation and adaptation.
It must be noted that the choice of these critical aspects has been somewhat
selective, emphasising especially how biomass is utilised in the evolving context of
land-use change, climate change and development in SSA. Other important aspects,
such as water resource management and food security, were somewhat less
emphasised, but were highlighted where appropriate. Even though the focus has
been on transitions and pathways over time (as opposed to spatial aspects or
sustainability assessments at fixed points in time), some important aspects have
been highlighted in relation to how sustainability is evaluated and assessed in
existing bioenergy policies and related frameworks.
Modernising bioenergy systems is critical for achieving many of the SDGs in
SSA. Yet, it must be recognised that it is not simply a local and national issue, but
also a regional and international issue. Tradable and environment-friendly bioenergy
commodities must be developed across the continent. This could increase their
competitiveness with charcoal, which is practically the only widely available current
bioenergy commodity. Thus, modern bioenergy markets require deeper international
linkages and trade, as much as they require deeper local engagement. This is the dual
nature of the bioenergy transition facing SSA.
Bioenergy modernisation can in turn contribute to climate-compatible development, having both environmental and economic benefits. Thus the modernisation
process does not have to entail a conflict with ecological or equity goals, but can be
rather based on the best combination of local knowledge and global capital. In this
respect, the bioenergy transition is not just about meeting the SDGs per se, but also
about modernising economies in SSA by using their tremendous natural resource
base in a sustainable manner. This virtuous pathway could reduce the tendency
observed in many SSA countries to export raw materials (regardless of whether they
are renewable or non-renewable). Instead, it could be a starting point for creating
value-added knowledge-based products in the pursuit of a sustainable bioeconomy
for all.
Acknowledgements This chapter was partly based on a previous research synthesis funded
through institutional programme support provided to Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) by
the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) within the SEI Reducing
Climate Risk programme under the leadership of Richard J.T. Klein. However, SIDA was not
involved in the choice of research topics or questions. The opinions expressed in the chapter are
solely those of the authors.
72
F. X. Johnson et al.