Three companies have formed an alliance to increase the production of environmentally sustainable crops for use in biofuel in Southern Africa.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), Boeing and South African Airways (SAA) have launched an initiative to expand opportunities for smallhold farmers in Southern Africa to grow crops that produce sustainable fuels. This builds on Boeing and RSB’s efforts to help small farmers gain access to the sustainable biofuels and biomaterials markets.

The alliance will work with Southern African stakeholders to create pilot programs that will build knowledge and skills among groups of farmers who want to certify their crops as sustainable.This will allow more farmers to tap into the demand for certified environmentally sustainable biofuel feedstocks as this area gains capacity in Southern Africa over the long term.

Rolf Hogan, RSB Executive Secretary, says the alliance will work with partners from across the region to identify how they can join together to help small farmers improve their production and income. “Certifying small farmers is the surest way to ensure sustainable biofuels that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the livelihoods of rural communities.”

Sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain

In October 2013 Boeing and SAA announced that they would collaborate to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain in Southern Africa.

“SAA seeks to drive development of sustainable biofuel supply chains in a way that enhances our region’s economic opportunity from local agriculture and energy production,” said Ian Cruickshank, SAA Group Environmental Affairs Specialist. “Our joint project with Boeing and RSB is a first step toward the goal of ensuring that our efforts benefit smallhold farmers, given their importance to our country’s rural economy.”

When produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 percent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle compared to petroleum fuel. Aviation biofuel refined to required standards has been approved for a blend of up to 50 percent with traditional jet fuel.

According to Lianne Stein, Boeing vice president of Global Corporate Citizenship, a sustainable aviation biofuel industry presents a chance for Southern Africa’s smallhold farming community to pursue economic development opportunities that would positively impact their livelihood. “As part of Boeing’s efforts to build better communities worldwide, we are working to ensure positive outcomes for the environment and, most importantly, for the people of Southern Africa,” she says.