Optimization of an oilseed-based biofuels upstream supply chain in West Africa

Abstract

Abstract:This study presents an optimization model of the upstream supply chain of an oilseed basedbiofuels production system. It has been developed considering West Africa rural context where family farming is mainly practiced. The model has been applied to a theoretical case of study on jatropha seeds supply chain. Four scenarios on farms surface area occupancy and on the transportation means used between farms and feedstock gathering points (GP) have been performed. Considering different farming systems, different seed yield, and different transportation mode, the results show that the most efficient option is the "intercropping" mode with the pre-processing operations located at the farms and with the transportation between farms and GP ensured by carts.

Wild and cultivated biomass supply chain for biofuel production. A comparative study in West Africa

“…The same model has been applied to a case of study on jatropha seeds supply chain in West Africa (Bambara et al, 2017). In this second paper, the model has been used to determine the optimal configuration of the supply network that minimizes feedstock cultivation, harvesting and transportation costs, considering different farming systems, different location of the pre-processing, and different transportation mode.…”

“…The purpose of this comparative study is to provide results, that will be an information base, and that could guide farmers and decisionmakers in the field of biofuel production for the choice of optimal biomass, in terms of minimizing biofuel production costs in West Africa. Optimal costs and optimal supply network configuration are determined through an improved version of the MILP described in (Bambara et al, 2017;. Improvements to the model are described in the next section.…”

“…The optimization problem is the same as in (Bambara et al, 2017;Sawadogo et al, 2017) except that here, not only transport costs are considered but, supply logistics costs (pre-processing, storage, loading, unloading and transport costs). Pre-processing?…”

“…Part of the model used for the problem optimization is described in one of our previous papers (Bambara et al, 2017). However, its formulation is improved in the present paper.…”

“…Following these failures, to enhance the profitability of jatropha plantations, most of the biofuel projects promoters focused on improving agriculture practices, varieties, and the control of pests and diseases of jatropha, while seed processing and, above all, logistics were rather neglected (Bambara et al, 2017).…”