A Conceptual Framework for Implementing Sustainable Livelihoods and Innovation in Biofuel Production among Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

There has been renewed interest in biofuel production globally as a response to the continuous increase in oil prices, the depletion of fossil fuels and as nations move towards a low carbon economy. The paper is a work in progress and is part of my PhD thesis. From the literature review, four approaches are identified which have led to the development of biofuels. A conceptual framework is proposed to identify elements of sustainability and innovation in biofuel production by smallholder farmers. The conceptual framework is proposed to enable a smooth transition towards a green economy; for promoters of biofuels to meet the challenges of an uncertain, complex and changing environment; and to discover the extent to which this affects community livelihoods and sustainability. The sustainable livelihoods approach provides the foundation on which the conceptual framework is developed. It is evident from the research that as the world embraces new technologies towards a low carbon economy, these technologies have special effects on the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers.

Keywords:

• Biofuels
• Innovation
• Low carbon economy
• Sustainable
• Livelihood
• Drivers for change

Notes

Conceptual framework is proposed to fulfill two roles: firstly to provide a theoretical clarification of what researchers intend to investigate and secondly to enable readers to be clear of what the researcher seeks to achieve and how that will be achieved (Leshem and Trafford, (2007).