Jatropha for Galapagos: Targeted approaches to promoting bioenergy are needed given the different practices and objectives of smallholder farmers

Abstract

The government of Ecuador intends to meet the projected renewable energy needs of the Galapagos Islands with oil from Jatropha. However, the yield of dry seeds from the existing Jatropha plantations appears to be too low to meet this demand. We hypothesize that the local Jatropha production system is not yet sufficiently understood. Knowledge of the smallholders’ agronomic management of Jatropha is fundamental to the development of pro-poor bioenergy. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the agronomic practices and perspectives of Jatropha producers to provide a baseline for initiating a change in the Jatropha production system. A total of 400 small-scale Jatropha producers of Manabí province were surveyed. The following factors were examined: canton, planting distance, propagation method, harvesting time, harvesting frequency, diseases, other uses, soil type and area available for Jatropha production. Jatropha smallholders have different levels of knowledge and expectations regarding the expansion of plantations. Currently, they mainly use Jatropha as live fences, but productivity is limited by the lack of high-yielding varieties and agronomic knowledge. A significant increase in yield is needed to commercialize the biodiesel obtained. Despite its potential profitability, farmers have been hesitant to expand their plantations due to the uncertainties of the sector. It is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that address these issues and provide incentives and technical support for sustainable expansion. This would not only boost the biodiesel industry, but also contribute to climate change mitigation, and the economic development of agricultural communities, in line with the Galapagos energy transition plan.