Tanzania cautioned on reckless biofuel projects

Environmentalists are warning of dire consequences should the haphazard production of biofuels in Tanzania continue.

Prof Raphael Mwalyosi, an environmentalist and sitting MP took to task the government over its rush to sanction the activity without first weighing the benefits and loss.
An Oxfam report released at the beginning of this month on biofuel production and its effects in Tanzania states that food supply to the nation could be in jeopardy with the environment endangered if the government continues to support haphazard production of biofuel.

According to Oxfam country co-ordinator Silas Olang, diverting land to biofuel production was bound to stall the government’s vision to alleviate poverty.

Mr Olang said that the government does not necessarily need to halt current biofuel projects but must speed up the process of drafting a good national policy that will take into account environmental impact of biofuels, preservation of natural resources and the issue of farming for food production.

The East African