Motivated by the need to reduce the amount of CO2 and other Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere as a means of climate change adaptation, this study was carried out to identify and examine the suitability of available energy crops in Nigeria. Secondary data sources were adopted in the identification of the energy crops and it was found that sugarcane, Soybeans, maize, wheat, oil palm and Jatropha; among others are available in Nigeria and can be utilized in the production of bio-fuel to replace the fossil-fuel presently in use in other to reduce the emission of GHGs. The suitability appraisal was conducted by interviewing professionals on which of the identified energy crops will be most suitable and why. A total of 30 professionals were purposively selected and interviewed, 10 Chemists, 10 Environmentalists and 10 from Biosciences. 28 out of the 30 supported the adoption of Jatropha Curcas considering the cost of production, benefits attached and effects on food availability and food security, since it is not edible. The study therefore recommended that Jatropha Curcas Seeds be harnessed for bio-diesel production in Nigeria. A policy design to improve the production and processing of the Jatropha Curcas was proposed while a thorough research into the economics and cost benefit analyses is deemed necessary.
Citation: Onuoha, D. C. and Ogbo, O. G (2023) Examination of the Suitability of Available Energy Crops for Biodiesel Production as an Adaptative Measure to Climate Change in Nigeria, International Research Journal of Natural Sciences, 11 (1), 1-7
Keywords: energy crops; bio-diesel; climate change; sustainable energy
