1. Introduction

The initial research puzzle is explained in this chapter as well as the reasons for conducting this specific research. An explanation is given for the rise of biofuels and their importance within current commercially viable alternative energies and reasons why they are still contested are presented. Beginning with the fact that the availability of energy can be considered as essential for human needs as the provision of food, water and shelter, the effects of commercial-scale biofuel production on rural development, agriculture and the environment are illustrated in more detail. This chapter provides an overview on why emerging and developing countries that have a strong agricultural resource base might promote biofuels. These countries anticipate a potential to generate and secure rural labor and promote rural development. Furthermore it is concisely explained why it is crucial to consider the competition for agricultural land between food crops and crops for energy purposes. The environmental impacts of biofuel production and consumption are discussed that need to be taken into account when biofuels are subsidized and promoted by governmental regulations. This chapter concludes with the presentation of three research questions that represent the common thread for the overall structure of the text at hand.