New Biofuel discovered in Mali

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/world/africa/09biofuel.html?_r=1&em&ex=1189396800&en=0653a7244f33ba52&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin
Technology and Energy:
Suleiman Diarra, a farmer in the west African country of Mali came upon the discovery of a lifetime by simply having a casual conversation with his older brother Dadjo. Dadjo stated that the seeds of the jatropha plant could be used to run the engines of cars and generators. The jatropha plants, growing on the family's land for decades, were considered poisonous. When Dadjo told Suleiman about his discovery, Suleiman initially did not believe him. However, when the word of the jatropha seeds reached bio fuel researchers, it was then that Dadjo Diarra's discovery had been proven. The seeds of the jatropha plant really could be used as a valuable source of fuel. The news has everyone from the local Malian farmer, to the big oil companies like BP and D1 Oil in Great Britain scrambling to get on the jatropha band wagon. BP and D1 Oil have both began to invest millions in the cultivation of the jatropha plants for the future use of bio fuel. Malian farmers also have another advantage to growing the jatropha plants, location, location, location! The plants grow on land that requires very little rainfall, even in places were other crops will not grow. Jatropha plants also are a natural deterrent of animals due to their smell and bitter taste. However, the discovery of the newest bio fuel source does not come without its disadvantages. In this article a person cannot help but to realize a cause and affect factor. The jatropha plants will most certainly help to boost the struggling Malian economy, however, I wonder that if the jatropha plant is the cash crop, why would the farmers want to grow anything else? If farmers take that stance it could affect the economy in a negative way. Also, my analysis of the situation is that once "big business" gets involved, the "little guys" (local farmers) will be pushed out of the market. I feel this way because of the fact that the average farmer will not be able to compete with a company that is capable of mass production. In summary, the discovery of jatropha as a bio fuel is wonderful for the environment, however, i do feel that farmers like Suleiman and Dadjo may suffer in the end.