In Ghana, wood fuels in the form of charcoal and firewood constitute more than 70 per cent of primary energy sources while crude oil and hydro take the remaining less than 30 percent.
Biofuels have a wide range of sources from food supply crops (first generation sources) to non-food supply (second generation sources). This article focuses on one of the second generation sources which shows some of the greatest potential: Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.)
Jatropha (Jatropha Curcas L.) which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, originates from Central America but can now be found throughout the tropics, including Africa and Asia. The jatropha plant can grow in wastelands and grows on any terrain, even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils. It is known to thrive in poor and stony soils, although new research suggests that the plant’s ability to adapt to these conditions is not as extensive as stated earlier. Jatropha plant is normally used as an ornamental for its continuously blossoming crimson flowers. It is also important to note that jatropha seeds are considered toxic as they contain toxalbumin curcin, which is very poisonous and inhibits protein synthesis.
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