Local Perceptions of the Biofuel Implementation Process in Jhadol Tehsil, a rural subdistrict of Udaipur, Rajasthan

With 300'000 ha under Jatropha Curcas cultivation, India ranks among the global leaders in this sector. Since 2003, the Indian Government is following a national biofuel program to achieve fuel independence and to promote rural development. The oil-bearing fruit seems to be suited for the dry and arid climate of Rajasthan, as it can be cultivated on so-called “wastelands”. In the subdistrict of Udaipur, where mostly tribal people live, Jatropha was mostly planted on common and private land. Research was done on the implementation process of Jatropha and its consequences on gender and livelihoods through an ethnographic approach. Major problems are poor yields and the loss of important grazing ground that are labelled wastelands. Different perceptions of the project by actors are outlined ranging from state officials to local farmers with particular attention to gender issues. The research offers further detailed insights in processes of land acquisition and rural development.