In the quest for energy more and more countries are weighing the pros and cons of biofuel production.
With increased fuel prices there's been an increased demand for biofuel production in a bid to lower prices.
However, this having the effect of raising the cost of food staples as they become more scarce.
Debate
Will making fuel from plants have a long term impact on the delivery of food aid around the world? What's the way forward?
To debate the issue, Paul Bakibinga spoke to Josee Koch, Policy and Advocacy Adviser to the Regional Hunger & Vulnerability Programme in Johannesburg, South Africa; and maize farmer, John Hoffman, who started a business called Ethanol Afric.
John Hoffman begins by explaining what biofuels are.
The power of ethanol
Rising prices of fossil fuels on the world market have forced the government in Malawi to invest in a research for increased use of ethanol.
The project, with an initial capital injection of US$5million, aims at increased importation of ethanol-powered vehicles as well as converting old cars to run on ethanol.
The authorities believe the effort could help one of world's poorest countries save its scarce forex. From Lilongwe, Joel Nkhoma reports.
Africa Energy Week: Monday - Fossil fuels, Tuesday - Solar energy, Wednesday - Hydro & wind power, Thursday - Biofuels, Friday - Nuclear power
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