INTRODUCTION.
This article is aimed at critically examining the implications of biofuel production on the ecosystem and biodiversity in Nigeria. During this article, the term ‘biofuel’, its classes and categories as well as the uses of the proposed impact on Nigeria and its citizens will also be aptly identified and discussed.
BIOFUEL PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA.
The term ‘biofuel’ is an interesting concept which has been studied, developed and given quite several key definitions and classifications over the years. In this regard, USEPA (2018); as cited in Berra et al (2020) regards biofuel as combustible fuels derived from recently produced biomass, as opposed to ancient biomass, which is the source of petroleum products. Similarly, the term ‘biomass’, in this context, can be regarded as the organic matter of recent origin produced directly or indirectly by living organisms(Ness & Moghtaderi,2007). Similarly, Bera et al (2020) also regard biofuel as any form of fuel made from organic materials or their processing and conversion derivatives. According to REN(2018), biofuel can be classified into three basic categories namely; bio-gas, bio-ethanol(or ethanol) and bio-diesel, the basic difference between both types of biofuel is that the former (which is ethanol) is alcohol, much like beer or liquor, although, it is an undrinkable one, similarly, the latter (which is biodiesel) is an oil. Alternatively, depending on the type of livestock or leaving organism used for production, biofuel can further be classified into three broad categories namely; first generation, second generation and third generation(Bera et al, 2020).
First-generation biofuels which include both ethanol and biodiesel are directly related to edible biomass, for instance, ethanol is generally produced from the fermentation of C6 sugars (or glucose) with the aid of classical yeast strains such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae(Lee & Lavoie, 2013). This implies that only a few feed and livestock such as potato wastes, sheep, sugarcane and so on, are used in the production of first-generation biofuels. Alternatively, second-generation biofuels are created with non-edible biomass sources, examples of which include dedicated biofuel grasses, crop residues, wood chips and so on (Bera et al, 2020). Lastly, according to Lee & Lavoie (2013), third-generation biofuels are produced from algal biomass, which has a very distinctive growth yield compared to the classical lignocellulosic biomass.
Over the past decades, different countries have indulged in the production, trade, distribution and usage of biofuel. For instance, bio-ethanol is the most widely used biofuel for transportation globally(Dufrey, 2006). Alternatively, bio-diesel production has been used as a source of sustenance for rural localities in different countries like Europe, for instance, which opened bio-diesel demonstration plants in the 1980s in the bid to sustain rural areas while responding to energy demand(Dufrey, 2006). Nigeria, as a nation, is not excluded from the mix and the advantages propelled by the production and distribution of the proposed element. Balogun & Salami (2016) asserts this notion by stating that biofuel is being produced and utilized in different geographical locations in Nigeria, in the North West, North Central and the South West. Balogun & Salami (2018) further stress that the live and feedstock used for the production of biofuel in these regions tend to vary, the same applies to the people who are involved in the proposed production, for instance, in the North West, the males are more involved in biofuel production via livestock compared to the females. Alternatively, Ezealigo et al (2021) assert this notion by stating that the bulk of the crops which are used for the production of biofuel – that is, starch-rich crops – are available in the nation, thus, it is only fair that the nation will be involved in such practices and production.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF BIOFUEL PRODUCTION ON THE ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY IN NIGERIA.
The term ‘implication’ can be regarded as ‘the effect which an action or decision may have on another action or object in the present and the future (Cambridge,2022). Thus, this section asks the question; ‘what will biofuel production and utilization do in the economic and biodiverse system of Nigeria in the present and the future, will it lead to its enhancement or its destruction?’. This particular question has propelled quite a several contrasting responses and remarks from different scholars in different fields of study. In this regard, Ezealigo et al (2021) posit that the active production and utilization of biofuel production in Nigeria will be an answer to a variety of problems which the nation has failed to address over the decades. Examples of such solutions include; proper power and energy supply, job opportunities for people in both the agricultural and energy section, and vast development in other subsidiary areas such as; transportation, recreation, education, manufacturing, communications and so on. However, the downside of this development will be that, in the long run, plants and animals which are used for the mass production of biofuels can be misused and even be driven to extinction. Similarly, farmers, noticing the importance of these products may decide to make them ridiculously expensive and scarce(Ezeligo et al, 2021).
Alternatively, biofuel production and utilization in Nigeria will serve as a strong tool for the encouragement and active participation in all forms of agriculture in the Nation. Balogun & Salami (2016) asserts this notion by providing that biofuel production will serve as an anchor for high employment opportunities in rural areas, especially among women and youths as well as more economic gains and a better standard of living for rural farmers and livestock traders. Additionally, Balogun & Salami also stress that the production of biofuel will be most useful in rural areas among poor women who could use it as a substitute for the often unavailable and traditional fossil fuel as well as the stress of fetching firewood and cooking under the scorching sun. Ogbonna & Okoli (2013); also cited in Balogun & Salami (2016) further propels that, since biofuel production largely depends on access to the right amount of life and feedstock, it could also serve as a source of investment which will also be greatly advantageous to farmers. In other words, investors with the right amount of capital and knowledge of biofuel production may be tempted to put their money into the proper rearing and production of agricultural products, thus bringing job opportunities to villages and liberating both youths and farmers alike.
Lastly, the mass production and use of biofuel in Nigeria could ameliorate the climate change effects which take place in the nation. This is so because, unlike traditional fossil fuels such as petrol and kerosene, biofuel does not require constant burning and pollution in the atmosphere to get the task done. Ndukwe(2014) also adds that the production of biofuels in Nigeria could bring about innovative ways to preserve and maintain plants and animals, thus aiding the biodiversity of the nation. Similarly, it could serve as an opportunistic avenue which could be preyed on by entrepreneurs and business enterprises, both of which are strong anchors for economic growth and development. This, in turn, will aid in improving the standard of living for both elements and the overall growth of the economy.
REFERENCES.
Balogun, B. O., & Salami, A. T. (2016). Effects of biofuel production on selected local Communities in Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Technology and Alternative Fuels, 7(3), 18-30.Retrieved from: https://academicjournals.org/journal/JPTAF/article-full-text/031CC8C57939
Bera, T., Inglett, K. S., & Wilkie, A. C. (2020). Biofuel: Concepts and Considerations: SL475/SS688, 9/2020. EDIS, 2020(5).Retrieved from: https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/download/108747/124679
Dick, N. A. (2014). Analysis of biofuel potential in Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, Newcastle University).Retrieved from: https://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/2679
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Ezealigo, U. S., Otoijamun, I., & Onwualu, A. P. (2021, April). Electricity and biofuel production from biomass in Nigeria: Prospects, challenges and way forward. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 730, No. 1, p. 012035). IOP Publishing.Retrieved from: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/730/1/012035/meta
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