Competence platform on energy crop and Agroforestry systems for arid and semi-arid ecosystems - Africa

Objective

The objective of this Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agro-forestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems is to stimulate bio-energy implementation in arid and semi-arid regions in Africa. COMPETE will establish a platform for policy dialogue and capacity building in the major multi- and bi-lateral funding organisations and key stakeholders throughout the bio-energy provision and supply chains. As global fossil energy resources become constrained, bio-energy is emerging as a major potential resource. The arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Latin America have, in theory, very large areas of land (and associated water and human resources) available for bio-energy production. However, the production of biomass for energy will result in substantial impacts (pos. and neg.) on ecosystems and cultures of these target regions.
The protection of biodiversity, rural livelihoods and management of scarce water resources are critical considerations in any analysis of the potential for sustainable bio-energy provision in arid and semi-arid regions. Similarly, whilst modern bio-energy could contribute significantly to poverty alleviation in rural areas, the effects of changes to the supplies of natural resources and ownership of those resources must be an integral part of the development options proposed. Therefore, a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, assessment of current land use, energy demand and technology innovation focused on Africa, will be carried out through COMPETE. COMPETE will link implementation activities, policy development, trade, funding and South-South-EU cooperation. The improved knowledge of national and regional land use and technology options generated will provide the local and international partners with the basis for a complete assessment of social, environmental and economic impacts. Finally, all the outputs of COMPETE will be integrated into a carefully designed dissemination strategy targeted at decision makers and stakeholders.

Fields of science

• natural sciencesearth and related environmental scienceshydrology
• natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencessoil sciencesland-based treatment
• natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
• agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesforestry

Programme(s)

• FP6-INCO - Specific measures in support of international cooperation: Specific activities covering wider field of research under the Focusing and Integrating Community Research programme 2002-2006.

Topic(s)

• INCO-2004-A2.3 - Managing arid and semi-arid ecosystems

Call for proposal

FP6-2004-INCO-DEV-3
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (43)