A Land divided: a critical analysis of the socioeconomic impacts of crop conversion due to bioethanol production in San Mariano, Isabela

Abstract

As the most promising biofuel, bioethanol is considered as the new alternative to traditional fossil fuels. In order to meet the growing demand, companies have looked into the expansion of land through crop conversion. However, crop conversion has paved way for large land acquisition and intensified global land grabbing. In the municipality of San Mariano in the province of Isablela, the biggest bioethanol facility in the Philippines is currently located. It promises socioeconomic development for the farmers and community. However, crop conversion has led to the landlessness of farmers. This study aims to analyze the changes in the socioeconomic situation of farmers because of crop conversion.