BIODIESEL PRODUCTION BY SMALL FARMERS IN THE SEMIARIDNORTHEAST OF BRAZIL: RESPONSES AND ADAPTATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND MITIGATION CONCERNS

摘要

The Northeast region of Brazil is the least developed country, due to dry weather and erratic distribution of rainfall. Small farmers in dry areas of the Northeast are among the social groups most vulnerable to climate change. The exploitation of crop diversification, such as the combination of livestock, subsistence crops and vegetable oil are the major options for this population can adapt to the impacts of climate change. This article presents the results of assessing the potential of vegetable oil and biodiesel production in the region as strategic options for local development, in response and adaptation to climate change mitigation and concerns.