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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Jatropha as a biofuel crop and the economy of appearances: experiences from Kenya
Author:Hunsberger, Carol
Year:2013
Periodical:Review of African Political Economy (ISSN 0305-6244)
Volume:41
Issue:140
Pages:216-231
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:oilseeds
biofuels
political economy
images
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/03056244.2013.831753
Abstract:'Jatropha curcas', an oilseed shrub, raised hopes that it could produce biofuel in a 'sustainable' manner, though early results fell short of these expectations. Drawing on field research from 2009, this article examines the political economy of jatropha in Kenya using A. Tsing's 'economy of appearances' concept (2000). Tsing's observation that start-up enterprises perpetuate 'myth' and 'spectacle' to build momentum fits patterns observed in this case. Jatropha's promoters reinforced an optimistic discourse, defended it against dissent and linked jatropha to global, national and local goals. However, the emergence of stronger critiques raises questions about how long its positive appearances can be maintained. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]
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