The research on suitable alternative clean energy sources to substitute the use of fossil fuels is rapidly attracting a lot of attention. In this context a wide range of renewable energy sources are considered as options. Biogas is one of these renewable energy sources that is deemed a suitable alternative energy source for both developed and the developing world. In the developing world biogas can be useful particularly for household energy use for warming, cooking, and lighting and hence replacing traditional burning of firewood. However, finding suitable energy crops from which to extract biogas and its implementation without affecting food security is still a debatable issue. This book focused on assessing the potential adoption of Teff for biogas production to meet the energy needs for Ethiopia by analyzing its methane potential at various growth stages, comparing its methane outputs to the methane potentials for maize and wheat in addition to assessing the impact of the biogas production. The intent of this book was written to generate information that can aid policy makers, planners and other relevant stakeholders in policy formulation and decision making process.

The sugar beet is one of the major crops besides sugarcane that is used for sugar production. The crop is often found in temperate climates. But due to the dynamics of global sugar market & need to improve farmers' livelihoods, the sugar beet experimental trials are ongoing in Kenya and other tropical countries (no commercialization yet). This book assesses the opportunities and challenges for successful sugar beet implementation in Kenya. The book focuses on the biophysical factors (diseases, precipitation, temperature, soil type & soil texture) and socio-economic factors (social acceptance, economic feasibility, and long-term sustainability). The book also presents a land suitability assessment criterion, for assessing suitable sugar beet growing regions in the tropics. This book will be a definitive work on tropical sugar beet research. The book can be a useful reference for all those who work in the sugar beet industry, scientists and students, potential investors, and policy makers.

This book is a follow up of my earlier book that analyses opportunities and challenges for sugar beet cultivation in Kenya. This book covers an in-depth assessment of the biophysical land suitability for sugar beet growing in Kenya, and also an in-depth assessment of the socio-economic prospects and challenges for sugar beet adoption. On the biophysical, the book focuses on the assessment of soil, climate, and topography and how the three factors interact to influence sugar beet yield which in turn affects the spatial distribution of suitable sugar beet growing areas. In regard to socio-economic assessment; the farmers' perception of the crop, farmers' assets to cultivate sugar beet, and comparative sugar beet profitability are discussed. From the interaction of the biophysical and socio-economic findings, the possibility for the sugar beet and other alternative agricultural crops to lift the poor farmers out of poverty, as well as bring about rural development are discussed. This book is a definitive work in tropical sugar beet research and can be a useful reference for all those who work in the sugar beet industry, scientists and students, potential investors, and policy makers.