Can carbon sequestration markets benefit low-income producers in semi-arid Africa? Potentials and challenges

TR Number
Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract

This article describes the framework for carbon sequestration markets provided by the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The CDM permits countries that are exceeding their permissible carbon emissions to buy carbon offsets from afforestation and reforestation projects. Agricultural soils may also be eligible to provide carbon offsets through an expansion of CDM and through the development of carbon markets outside what the Kyoto Protocol establishes. Although Carbon markets seem to be beneficial for both buyers and sellers, establishing a functional carbon market requires that first the necessary technical, institutional, and financial capacity be in place. Without this stability and resource base, the prospects of improving rural incomes through carbon sequestration may be overshadowed by risks and failed structures.

Description
Metadata only record
Keywords
Carbon sequestration, Semiarid zones, Payments for environmental services, Afforestation, Poverty, Reforestation, Soil organic matter, Agricultural ecosystems, PES, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Kyoto Protocol, Carbon offsets, Greenhouse gases, Emissions, Carbon markets, Soil carbon, Carbon credits, Poverty reduction, Drylands, West Africa, Economic incentives
Citation
Agricultural Systems 94(1): 2-12