The unsustainability of energy generation using fossil fuels together with the impetus to ensure energy security and the parallel need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are driving a global shift towards biofuels and other so-called renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Biofuels currently account for 2.5% of transport fuels globally, with an increase to 4% expected by 2035.

Biofuels are generated using contemporary biological processes predominantly agriculture either by utilizing energy crops or indirectly from municipal or agricultural wastes. Sugarcane, an important industrial crop, the raw material for sugar production, certain fermented products and various kinds of medicines has been demonstrated to be a useful raw material in biofuel production. In various parts of the world; Southern Africa, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Latin America especially Brazil, sugarcane is being commercially exploited for biofuels. Sugarcane is a tropical plant and therefore thrives in Nigeria where the climatic and geographical conditions are optimal for cultivation.

Given the right infrastructure, industrial and political attention, Nigeria can exploit this venture to alleviate its chronic energy crisis and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. Experts have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of biofuel production using sugarcane as raw material, citing likely impacts on agricultural land use and water resources, food security, biodiversity, ecosystem health, livelihoods as well as other ecological and socio-economic impacts.
Other pundits have posited arguments that increased utilization of biofuels does not necessarily translate to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. While scientific data suggests that these concerns are indeed legitimate, in my opinion, the potential infrastructural and economic benefits far outweigh the environmental risks. In addition, studies have shown that if properly managed, risks to environmental resources can be minimal. In practice, bioethanol production using sugarcane creates minimal waste, as byproducts are recyclable. For example, some wastes can serve as fertilizer, while others can be used to produce biogas or for irrigation. Brazil, which is the second largest producer of ethanol and the largest producer of sugarcane ethanol (28 billion litres in 2013), globally has become a textbook example of sugarcane agriculture.

According to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), as of 2017, Brazil uses at least 40% less petroleum than previously as more than 50% of cars now use biofuel. Currently, 45% of Brazil’s energy comes from renewable sources and about 90% of contemporary Brazilian vehicles have flex-fuel engines, which work using any combination of gasoline and sugarcane ethanol. This has led to a reduction in the Country’s CO 2 emissions by at least 600 million tons since the 1970s. In addition, it has burnished the Country’s GDP and boosted trade and socio-economic outlook in many areas.
Sugarcane could serve as a major source of industrial raw material/export, create employment, and develop rural economy in Nigeria. Although good medical science evidence indicates that excessive sugar consumption can induce deleterious health effects, sugar continues to be an important raw material for many multinational food companies. Investment in sugarcane agriculture will therefore, serve as a source of industrial sugar and export. In addition, successful commercialization of
sugarcane bioethanol can decrease Nigeria’s use and import of fossil fuels, contributing significantly to National development.

Sugarcane agriculture should therefore, be included in Nigeria’s development agenda. It should however be approached carefully and constructively. It is important to note that choices in terms of cultivation, geography and technology have a direct impact on the sustainability of this endeavor. The overall most important goals include poverty reduction, decent work, economic growth and
improvement of rural livelihoods. The design of the prototype should be such that human rights are protected, that adopted technology ensures proper training of workers, which would introduce more skilled workers into the workforce. In addition, adoption of proper waste management and other ecofriendly farming/production practices must be enforced. Policies that will maintain or even
improve ecosystem services associated with sugarcane cultivation areas should be initiated. If successfully established, there are bound to be profound economic benefits and it is therefore, necessary to ensure even distribution of benefits to avoid strife in future.

It is important to note that this is a capital-intensive endeavor, which requires useful public-private partnerships to generate requisite funds. Nigeria has to become attractive for foreign investment and the need to tackle insecurity-which cannot be overstated, is an important first line of action. There is limited scientific data on sugarcane biology relating to its bioenergy potential, research is therefore,
necessary to inform policies, business decisions and schemes. Although it is possible to transfer knowledge, expertise or scientific output from other countries, it is better to conduct research that address local peculiarities. It is also noteworthy that laboratory scale experimentation or generic field trials will be insufficient and so pragmatic industrial trials are necessary before the full-scale adoption
of protocols or business models.

For example, sugarcane varieties that are more water efficient, yield higher fermentable sugars and fibre, and are amenable to mechanical harvesting are now in use in some parts of the world, but their adaptation to the Nigerian climate and how this affects yield is a different matter. This is just one of many other considerations, which is why the appropriate tools and expertise should be employed. The socio-economic potential of sustainable sugarcane agriculture is profound and should be harnessed by decision makers and all other relevant stakeholders.