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Information-based Optimization of Jatropha Biomass Energy Production in the Frost- and Drought-prone Regions of Botswana

Environment / Energy (Carbon Neutrality)

Republic of Botswana

Finished

Information-based Optimization of Jatropha Biomass Energy Production in the Frost- and Drought-prone Regions of Botswana

Using the Energy Hidden in Plants in the Arid Regions of Botswana

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  AKASHI Kinya
  Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of Botswana

Research Institutions in Japan

Tottori University / University of the Ryukyus / RIKEN

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Energy Affairs Division (EAD) in the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR) / Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) in the Ministry of Agriculture / University of Botswana (UB)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2011

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Jatropha: an ideal biofuel utilizing the environmental tolerance of wild plants
Crops in Botswana grow slowly due to dryness and cold-weather, and this is a barrier to the achievement of a low carbon society based on bioenergy. However, the country has an abundance of wild plants that can withstand dryness and winter cold. It also has large numbers of Jatropha trees, whose seeds have abundant quantities of an oil considered to hold great promise as a biofuel. The goal of this project is to utilize these resources to develop Jatropha varieties that are resistant to dryness and cold weather and offer high productivity, as well as to develop methods of cultivating these varieties. In this way, a biological approach will help to achieve a low carbon society.

Creating a bioenergy production model based on the country’s own biological resources
A database of biological resource data relating to Jatropha will be constructed and suitable varieties will be developed. Moreover, in this arid region that is subject to cold weather, efforts will be made to establish a cultivation system that is flexible with respect to climate change. The project will work to build a sustainable bioenergy production model using plant genetic resources that are indigenous to Botswana.

Photo gallery

The cultivation and genetic characteristics of indigenous Jatropha will be analyzed. Based on the results, an integrated database will be constructed to aid in technical development for biofuel production.

Botswana's Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Dr. Kedikilwe, and the Japanese research teams

Meeting among four groups: Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources; Nara Institute of Science and Technology; and the University of the Ryukyus