Agrofuels – A Boost of Energy for the Mekong Region?

This background paper seeks to brief readers on the extent of the development, production and consumption of agrofuels, particularly liquid fuels for transport, in the Mekong region. The area of focus comprises the countries of the Mekong River Basin, that is, flowing downstream north to south, the southernmost prefectures of China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Lao PDR, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The varied political, economic, and social contexts of this region make it difficult to present general conclusions. Equally the many levels, aspects and questions concerning the development, impacts and ethics of the agrofuel industry in the region, can only be touched upon. Hopefully, however, the very different ways in which this sector has been developed in this region, may illustrate some instructive as well as the many cautionary lessons for farmers, their networks and other policy analysts working in the region. This paper is based mainly on a desk study of publicly available literature. [eSS OP No. 10]. URL:[http://www.focusweb.org/sites/www.focusweb.org/files/Occasional%20Paper%2010%20RL.pdf].