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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The role of new and renewable sources of energy in the rural areas of africa
Author:Mwanza, Peter N.
Year:1988
Periodical:Rural Progress: Bulletin of the Economic Commission for Africa
Volume:7
Issue:2
Pages:35-45
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:energy
rural areas
energy resources
Abstract:The inability of the rural areas in Africa to pay for the use of oil and gas is one of the major reasons that has retarded their socioeconomic development. The author therefore argues in favour of an alternative but relatively cheap source of energy for the development of the rural areas of Africa. Some of the more common new and renewable sources of energy available are hydropower, biomass (including fuelwood and charcoal), solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, oil shales and tar sands, draught animal power and peat. The author provides preliminary information on how biogas, an aspect of biomass energy, can be developed for the benefit of African rural communities, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use. The decision to go biogas for the energy needs of a household or community requires technological readiness and a change in attitude, from taking energy availability for granted to regarding energy as the most important factor input in the process of development aimed at improving the quality of life. African governments are called upon to establish clear policies for planning technological development and for integrating energy policies and planning into overall development planning. Bibliogr.
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