Potential bioenergy feedstocks were selected after in-country discussions and government’s indications: sugarcane and cassava for bioethanol and palm oil for biodiesel. The suitability index (resulting from a geographic information system) for the cassava case in the framework of tillage-based production is shown in Figure 12.2. It is seem that very suitable or suitable areas practically do not exist in Tanzania. Potential for cassava growing is in the range of moderately suitable.

To delineate the industrial configurations that would be more adaptable to the Tanzania context, globally available bioethanol technologies were reviewed and analyzed against the technology and human capacity assessment (Sanchez and Cardona, 2008). Three technological configurations were designed as shown in Table 12.5. The configurations are differentiated based on the level of complexity of the technologies involved in each of the main processing steps. Two types of raw materials were considered as shown in Table 12.6.

In the production cost of cassava ethanol, the feedstock was also the high­est factor contributing between 65 to 71% of the total cost. The production cost from fresh cassava feedstock is slightly lower than processed dried chips (see Table 12.7). Taking into consideration the infrastructural limitations in Tanzania

TABLE 12.6

Bioethanol Production Scenarios for Tanzania

Raw Material scenario Parameter Description

Cassava 7 Stand alone Fresh cassava (single plant), increased cassava yield

Cassava 8 Stand alone Dried cassava (single plant), increased cassava yield

and the fact that cassava roots perish quickly after harvesting, this production route may not be the most appropriate. Thus, scenario 8 provides a more viable alternative whereby fresh cassava roots are first dried to extend the shelf life, then are transported to an ethanol processing plant. Scenario 8 facilitates greater opportunity for small farmers in isolated rural areas to participate. The costs pre­sented in Table 12.7 do not include co-generation or use of by-products.

Ruvuma is a representative region in Tanzania located at the southern bound­ary with Mozambique. The welfare effects in this region were analyzed based on a 10% of producer price increase for different crops including cassava. They found positive welfares in specific cases for cassava. For bean and sugarcane, the welfare effects were always negative.

Concluding partial results showed that in order to be able to reap the benefits of bioenergy investments, Tanzania has to consider strengthening and developing local markets, local production capacity, and its infrastructure. Analysis so far does not include all crops and full integration across modules. The results are under discussion in the country.

The preliminary conclusions drawn by the BEFS project indicate that bioen­ergy development, which safeguards food security, is only sustainable in Tanzania when a bioenergy project:

• Does not hinder the natural resource base

• Involves smallholders, increases employment, and takes into account the specific risks for subsistence farmers

• Increases access to markets and infrastructure

• Builds domestic skills and expertise

• Ensures local benefits and sustainability of the industry

• Monitors welfare impacts at the household level

• Respects and protects the livelihoods of women

• Strengthen farmers’ negotiating power

• Further enhances institutional capacity