afrol News, 19 May - Angola's deputy Minister of Urbanisation and Environment has told the UN Commission for Sustainable Development in New York that the production of bio-fuels in Angola does not harm the cultivation and harvesting of crops.

Mota Liz said a total of 500,000 hectares - representing less than 2% of about 35 million hectares of arable land - can be designated for the production of bio-fuels in Angola.

He said despite the looming controversy over the production of bio-fuels, the Angolan government believed that bio-fuels can significantly reduce unemployment and raise income of rural people.

Mr Liz said several factors, including climate changes, drought and desertification in Africa, continue to affect agriculture and living standards of people.

Angola - a country that emerged from conflict - has attained sound economic stability. Due to its oil high oil exports, Angola's economic growth in 2008 is estimated at 16%.

The achievement of peace has also allowed the Angolan government to implement several programmes geared towards eradicating poverty. This includes improving services in health and education sectors and supply of drinking water.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories