Impact of integrated food and energy production at the local level. The Biomás-Cuba experience

Abstract

The application of phase II of the Biomás-Cuba project, with a focus on integrated food and energy production at the local level, in 212 production scenarios in 22 municipalities in six Cuban provinces, has generated productive, economic, social and environmental impacts.  These impacts include 20,785 people directly benefited, the notable increase in food production, income and import substitution, the creation of 372 new jobs, various bioenergy technologies spread and in use, the treatment of residuals.  pollutants, the reforestation of 458 ha, four biogas-fed biogas supply networks that benefit 53 homes and 272 people living in rural communities, 5855 producers and trained specialists, 177 contaminating sources have been solved, and 3874 ha of land with  bio-fertilizers produced with effluents from biodigesters and various agroecological management practices, as well as the annual sequestration of 5175 t CO2 equivalent, which contributes to reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change, in addition to influencing local and sectoral policies.