ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF JATROPHA ON A SMALL SCALE IRRIGATED BY TREATED WASTEWATER

Abstract

Energy is a vital driving force for development; access to energy can alleviate poverty, improve living conditions and propel economic development. Biofuels as a fossil energy alternative has gained worldwide attention for many years. Drastic changes in the energy system are needed. However, the establishment of the required new energy technologies and associated infrastructure will in itself lead to GHG emissions. Other important aspect affecting Egypt’s agriculture income is water scarcity. Egypt will need to improve the way they manage their water resources and associated services. However, expansion of Jatropha plantation largely depends on profitability from such plantations on small- scale level. The study reveals that Jatropha is a potential renewable energy resource with advantage of grown on marginal lands and irrigated by treated of waste water. The main objective of the study is to assess the profitability of Jatropha through discounted indicators in order to enhancing the sustainable development in Egypt. This study has shown positive returns from Jatropha plantation during the period 2008- 2022. Although the net present value at discount ratio of 30% was LE 8.2 thousand, while the benefit/ cost ratio was 1.45.