Biofuel sector as a potential business opportunity for emerging cooperatives: A case study of south african cooperatives

This study points to the biofuel industry as a potential business idea that can be used by a selected group that has to form and run a sustainable cooperative. Biofuel projects are considered in this study, focusing on how biofuel projects may be incorporated in the running of biofuel industry. The study investigated the opportunities of the emerging South African cooperatives in biofuels industry. We used the qualitative method to collect data. A total of 200 cooperative were studied through observations, interviews, and focused group interviews. Out of 200 small scale biodiesel plants situated in South Africa, 35 are in four provinces namely Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng, where empirical studies were conducted in form of observations and interviews. Cooperatives are widely spread all over South Africa. The study however, focused on the cooperatives that are situated in Limpopo and Gauteng province. The researcher also attended several workshops and conferences that are related to development of South African cooperative and other social enterprises. Both the strategy of the cooperative and biofuels aimed at one most important aspect which is to merge the first and second economy. Both are in the emerging stage, and working on a common goal of educating and training those that are affected to achieve the aim.