Farming for energy: social options under Brazil's National Alcohol Programme

The first 5 years of the Brazilian National Alcohol Programme are assessed in terms of their stated social objectives of reducing regional inequalities and rural-urban income disparities, and expanding employment opportunities. The effects of energy production systems based on the two principal competing energy feedstocks, sugar cane and cassava, are compared in terms of these objectives, as well as their impact on land distribution, food supply, migration and environment. Greater use of cassava is clearly indicated from a social standpoint, but initial policies, influenced by institutional interests, have favoured sugar cane. Possible strategies for enhancing the Programme's social development potential are suggested.