The socio-economic potential of bioethanol fuel produced from sugar processing plants in Southern Africa: A case of Malawi

This paper investigates the technical advancement in the production of bio-ethanol in Malawi and examines the social and economic impacts of the bio-ethanol production in Malawi. In addition, the paper demonstrates the expansion of bio-ethanol as an alternative energy that has greatly impacted on the community resulting in increased economic development of the rural communities in Malawi. The methodology used in this paper is a single case study conducted by the researcher who carried out a detailed extensive tour of the bio-ethanol plant accompanied by the Production Manager and several other factory officials. In addition, an extensive document review was also done to capture existing data from previous academic studies and secondary data sources such as Government and Non-Governmental Organisations. The findings revealed that most of the bio-ethanol produced in Malawi is exported to several African countries and Europe. It was also observed that most of the by-products obtained from the ethanol production are used for the benefit of the nearby communities, such as the local electricity generated by burning the bagasse. The blended fuel is easily supplied to the community. The paper also emphasizes on the need for a speedy involvement of rural communities in the production of sugar and its by-products in order to meaningfully get community involvement in the rural economic development. The study was based on a case study limited to only one plant that was physically toured by the researcher. The tour was scheduled and lasted for only one day. Financial analysis of the processes could not be analysed or scrutinised as the plant officials were unable to release any operational figures. The main contribution of this paper is the expansion of the limited data and information available on bio-ethanol production in Sub-Saharan Africa. The targeted audience are the research academics, policy makers, Government officials and Environmentalists.