What drives Adoption of Biofuel (Jatropha Curcas) Production in Central Eastern Malawi?

Abstract

There is increased interest in production of Jatropha Curcas as a biodiesel feedstock by both local and international companies. The increased interest is due to problems associated with major energy sources such as diesel and petro and their availability. This study aims at providing an understanding of the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers’ adoption of Jatropha Curcas production as a biofuel technology. The study uses data from 70 Jatropha Curcas farmers in Salima district in Malawi. The results indicated that positive and significant determinants of adoption of Jatropha Curcas production by small scale farmers are gender of the household head, plot size and education level of the household head. Based on extent of adoption, the results show that plot size and education level of the household head are the only significant factors that explain the extent of adoption while marriage status negatively influenced extentof adoption. The study recommends that if Malawi government would like to promote the cultivation of Jatropha crop on commercial basis, consideration for land allocated to Jatropha should be a priority. Promotion may be suitable for large commercial farmers who have lots of land.

Keywords: Jatropha Curcas production, adoption, Malawi