Jatropha Reality Check; afield assessment of the agronomic and economic viability of jatropha and other oilseed crops in Kenya.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to collect and analyze a baseline of data on Jatropha curcas (Jatropha) in Kenya by administering a field survey of existing growers. The second purpose was to empirically evaluate the many varying claims about Jatropha's potential as a biofuels crop that have been generated over the past several years. The third purpose of the study was to collect similar data from farmers growing Ricinus communis (Castot) and Croton m egalocarpus (Croton), which are other potentially viable oilseed crops in Kenya. The fourth purpose was to conduct detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of each crop's potential suitability in Kenya. The final purpose was to test and analyze the chemical composition and performance of the oil produced from the three target crops in terms of their appropriateness for biofuel. Due to the sporadic and previously undocumented nature of Jatropha activities in Kenya, as well as limitations on the resources available for this study, we chose to conduct a representative sample rather than a comprehensive census of current activities. The survey questionnaire consisted of six sections: • Time and Location • Background and Socioeconomic Status • Agronomy, Land Use, and Opportunity Cost • Description of Current Biofuels Activities • Management and Economics • Measurements and Yield Each enumerator carried a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device to collect GIS coordinates for each farm. The data logs were later used to include average rainfall, temperature, and altitude information to the database, as well as to geotag photos taken throughout the survey. The fieldwork was conducted in February and March 2009 by eight enumerators travelling across six Provinces, including: Coast, Eastern, Central, Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza. In total, the enumerators visited 289 farms growing Jatropha, 71 growing Croton, and 20 growing Castor. For calculation of yields, we conducted statistical analysis to verify our initial findings. A detailed description of that analysis is included in the section on Jatropha yields below. This study went through an extensive peer review involving dozens of renowned local and international experts and practitioners. Numerous valid comments were raised and incorporated where possible. However, it is in the nature of peer reviews that not every comment can and should be addressed. The authors accept full responsibility of the substantial content of the study and its conclusion. One if the most promising oilseed sources in Kenya is from a native tree named Croton megalocarpus. Croton is widely adapted throughout Kenya, growing wildly on forest borders. Farmers also plant it for shade and wind protection. The seeds that fall from the tree are generally inedible, although some communities use it for chicken feed. A small handful of pioneering entrepreneurs have begun pressing oil from the seeds for biofuel. Production is currently small- amounting to several thousand liters per months - but could be scaled up significantly due to the plentiful availability if the seeds and farmers' willingness to collect it for a reasonable price. However, like Jatropha, Croton has also no tyet been domesticated for monoculture plantations, so will require further silvicultural research for significantly expanded production.