Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems- Africa

Duration: 2007 – 2009 ● Client: European Commission (FP6) ● WIP Role: Coordination, Communication and Dissemination, Policy development ● www.compete-bioafrica.net

The objective of this Competence Platform on Energy Crop and Agroforestry Systems for Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems - Africa (COMPETE) is to stimulate bioenergy implementation in arid and semi-arid regions in Africa.

COMPETE delivers a matrix of multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral work-packages

• to evaluate current and future potential for the sustainable provision of bioenergy in Africa in comparison to existing land use patterns and technologies
• to facilitate South-South technology and information exchange capitalising the world-leading RD&D in bioenergy in the key countries Brazil, Mexico, India, China and Thailand
• to develop innovative tools for the provision of financing for national bioenergy programmes and local bioenergy projects, including: carbon credits, bilateral and multi-lateral funding instruments, and the role of international trade
• to develop practical, targeted and efficient policy mechanisms for the development of bioenergy systems that enhance local value-added, assist local communities and address gender inequalities
• to establish the Competence Platform to ensure effective dissemination and knowledge exchange inside and outside the network

WIP is the coordinator of the COMPETE project. The COMPETE partnership comprises 18 European, 3 international (African Development Bank; Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Conservation International) and 23 non-European partners. 13 partners are from African countries. COMPETE was co-financed by the European Commission in the 6th Framework Programme - Specific Measures in Support of International Cooperation (INCO).

In November 2009, the Bioenergy Competence Platform for Africa was officially launched as continuation of COMPETE activities with the following objectives:

Exploit the benefits of innovative bioenergy solutions in Africa with respect to sustainable rural development and improved livelihoods, increased energy access and income generation, alternative markets for agricultural products, security of energy supply, and diversification of energy sources.

Avoid the dangers of negative social and environmental implications, with regards to biodiversity, water availability, land competition, land ownership, insufficient value creation for local farmers, and the ‘fuel versus food' debate.

In December 2010 the partnership of the COMPETE Bioenergy Competence Platform for Africa consist of 230 stakeholders from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. 140 stakeholders come from 28 African countries.