The potential of biomass for alternative energy production has attracted considerable attention because of associated implications for energy security, food supply, and climate change. This paper considers the economic impacts of spatial variation and landowner behavior on potential biomass...

We develop a long-run cost model for cellulosic biofuel production that accounts for locational differences in biomass production conditions.  The cost model minimizes the per-gallon cost of biofuel when feedstock costs vary within local biomass-producing regions and plant size is determined by...

The Kingdom of Swaziland covers an area of 17,364 square kilometers bordered on the north, west, and south by the Republic of South Africa and on the east by Mozambique. The two major towns or cities are Mbabane, the capital city, and Manzini. The 2007 census put the population at 1.02 million,...

According to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Le Treut et al. 2007, 96), climate is defined as average weather over a period of time, ranging from months to millions of years. Climate is usually described in terms of the mean and variability...

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country with a total area of 390,580 square kilometers. The country shares borders with Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia. Before 2000, Zimbabwe was one of the most industrialized economies in Africa south of the Sahara, with an extensive...

Malawi is located in the eastern part of southern Africa between latitude 9°22′ and 17°7′ South and between longitude 32°40′ and 35°55′ East. Its total area is 118,483 square kilometers, of which 94,275 square kilometers is land, while 24,208 square kilometers...

In examining agricultural vulnerability to climate change in South Africa, we see that an important factor is the enormous existing socioeconomic disparity in access to resources, poverty levels, and capacities to adapt. Recent research results suggest that the South African farming sector is...

Lesotho is located on the plateau of southern Africa, with altitudes ranging from about 1,400 meters to more than 3,480 meters above sea level. This position exposes the country to the influences of both the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans, with wide differences in temperature. Annual...

Agriculture in Africa south of the Sahara is becoming increasingly risky due to extreme climate variability. In recent times, scientific studies have strongly suggested that many developing countries face substantial environmental and social challenges, with food insecurity high on the list...

Africa, in general, is vulnerable to climate change, mostly due to its dependence on agriculture. Mozambique is a prime example. Agriculture is an important sector of the country’s economy, and, as indicated by the 2007 FAO country factsheet, around 80 percent of the population (about...