Interventions in the
energy sector have a dramatic part to play in enabling
sustainable rural development in other areas. Combined
with investments in other basic infrastructure, in social
sectors, and in specific, proactive policies, these interventions
can be an engine of opportunity for rural populations
in several ways.
Economic and business development
central for take off
Rural electrification, the liberalization of markets for
modern fuels, and the dissemination of up-to-date knowledge
and equipment, give access to a safe, reliable source
of modern energy, which can dramatically raise productivity
and income in the areas concerned. Given a reliable supply
of energy, small business and industries can prosper,
thereby reshaping the rural communities by providing power
and light to run workshops or small industries and creating
local jobs.
I addition to the business possibilities
provided by the emergence of reliable energy, the small
power companies themselves will also open a field of possibilities
for local entrepreneurs, tapping the local resources in
an environmentally sound way.
Combating exclusion and
Fighting Poverty
Access to modern energy will transform the lives of the
millions of rural African women and children who are presently
condemned to a daily grind of fuel-wood collection: backbreaking
work that leaves no opportunity for productive activity
or personal development. The use of modern energy lessens
the need for these chores, freeing more time to be spent
on productive work and education. Public lighting, television
and radio, and basic economic prospects that rely on efficient
lighting, heating, and motive power can, in turn, defeat
the marginalization of rural communities in the face of
urban centers.
A cleaner environment for
sustainability
Indoor pollution from badly vented stoves burning traditional
fuel-wood or charcoal is one of the major causes of premature
morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Reliance
on the bio-mass fuel that makes up 80% of primary energy
supply in many African countries is also causing extensive
deforestation and degradation of fertile land.
By providing the means of using other
energy sources, such as solar PV-electricity, mini-hydro
power, wind power, the possibility for lessening the biological
impact of traditional fuels can be realized.
StonePower
AB
is striving to contribute to this cause by providing for a better
and more efficient energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
The opening up of the rural African society to more efficient
telecommunications, electricity and water supply will
give better access to medical expertise and information
on health and family planning. Birth control and contraceptives
information in addition to healthier living can be a way
of curbing the AIDS epidemic that is coursing through
the African continent.
The international community can do much
to support developing countries and regions in financing
programs to ensure prevention and improved equity in access
to care, including the production and dissemination of
information worldwide.
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