Bioenergy, Agriculture and the Developing Countries

The dramatic increase in food and energy prices on the international markets during 2006-2008 has raised a great debate on the respective causes and the most adequate policy responses. The role of agriculture in the production of alternative energy sources has loomed large in this debate. Often, however, attention has focused in particular on analysis of biofuel impacts on commodity prices rather than other important aspects, relating to the potential of the bioenergy sector for the developing countries, and indeed their rural development. This paper offers a survey of the literature addressing recent evolution in the international agricultural markets and the impacts of rising biofuel production on developing countries. The survey will focus particular attention on the possibility of a more active role for the developing countries in the use of renewable resources, such as bioenergy.