For example, such ventures could result in profound demographic shifts due to human displacement and in-migration; extensive loss of environmental services when large contiguous areas of land are brought under cultivation; and substantial adverse livelihood impacts when communities are not adequately incorporated into the project design. Consequently, there is an urgent need for information on the scope and impact pathways of these large land-based biofuel investments so as to inform policy formulation processes that are ongoing in many African countries.

Our research in Africa is being conducted in two countries, Ghana (Brong Ahafo region) and Tanzania (southern part). Both countries are especially relevant to this debate as large numbers of predominantly foreign companies have secured vast areas of land there over recent years. The nature of impacts has remained largely unrecorded, as compelling concerns are being voiced by both civil society and government actors on issues of forced displacement, food security, and deforestation.