Nigeria : ‘Increase use of biofuel for food production’
Femi Oye, CEO of SMEFUNDS, emphasized that biofuels could boost food production and promote a circular economy. He praised IFAD’s clean energy efforts and highlighted the role of renewable energy in enhancing agriculture, improving health, and addressing climate change. Oye called for more incentives for biofuel investments, a national biofuel policy, and support for biodiesel supply chains to grow Nigeria’s biofuel industry.
The growing adoption of biofuels may serve as a significant catalyst for food production and the establishment of a local, circular economy, Chief Executive, SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye has stated.
His comments were in response to the initiatives undertaken by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at assisting communities worldwide in their transition to clean energy sources.
Oye emphasised that renewable energy options, such as solar power and biogas, enable farmers to engage in agricultural practices without dependence on environmentally harmful fossil fuels and wood.
He noted that this shift could enhance agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote public health, all while addressing climate change and facilitating climate adaptation.
He commended IFAD’s efforts to enhance production, processing, and post-harvest management, while also supporting the decarbonisation of food systems.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of assisting off-grid farmers in processing agricultural and animal waste to generate compost and cleaner biogas. This approach, he argued, would allow for nutrient recycling and a reduction in methane emissions, while providing a cooking fuel that poses fewer health risks.
Oye pointed out that entrepreneurs are seeking effective incentives and risk mitigation strategies to encourage investment in renewable energy technologies for small-scale farmers.
He expressed his willingness to collaborate with state governments to nurture young biofuel producers and is actively seeking opportunities for knowledge sharing and technology transfer in biofuel production.
He explained that biofuels can be derived from plant materials, animal waste, and microorganisms such as bacteria and algae.
Oye reiterated his commitment to making biofuels a prominent energy source for the future, noting that his organisation has successfully produced cooking gas from water hyacinth and is focused on expanding domestic production capacity.
He reiterated the need for biofuel roadmap under a national biofuel policy, with a target to increase ethanol blending with more ethanol bio refineries.
He urged the government to encourage setting up supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production.
This, according to him, would help Nigeria in developing its biofuel space which is at a nascent stage.
Beyond ethanol, he noted that there has not been much progress in terms of volumes in biodiesel production.
Source Link : https://thenationonlineng.net/increase-use-of-biofuel-for-food-production/
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