University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

Figure 12 - Impacts of direct and indirect land-use changes on competition with food
and local prosperity
567
Impacts of direct and indirect land-use changes on food market are difficult to
measure. Lots of studies exist but give very different estimations of these impacts95:
from zero impact to dramatic influence on market.
Even if global impacts of direct and indirect land-use changes on prices and local
prosperity are difficult to assess and indeterminate, it is clear that that there is a
correlation between land-use changes due to bioenergy production and competition
with food.
Production of biomass for energy can also compete with other local biomass
applications as energy supply, medicines, and building materials.
Increase in importations 96 and decrease in exportations 97 of food (feed and
livestock) can threaten food security and independence of bioenergy producing
countries.
If available arable land, degraded land or fallow are preferred for bioenergy
cultivation, negative impacts of land-use changes on land availability can be limited.
Public and private investments in research and increase in yield (Renewable Fuels
Agency 2008) can also relax land availability constraint. But this constraint can again
be tightened with population and demand increase.
Direct and Indirect Land-Use Changes – Land property rights
Direct and indirect land-use changes impose changes in land property potentially
threatening property rights, especially in developing countries. These rights should
be clearly defined, documented and legally established; and systems to resolve
conflicts should exist.
The relation between direct and indirect land-use changes and land property rights
respect is inverse.
Direct and Indirect Land-Use Changes – Social well-being
Direct and indirect land-use changes should contribute to the social well-being of
local population through:
- Fair and transparent deals,
- Information,
44 According to date, macro, meso or micro level, and to products considered
45 Diversion of domestic use (Renewable Fuels Agency 2008)
46 Export diversion (Renewable Fuels Agency 2008)