1. jotoafrika
adapting to climate
Issue 8 October 2011 change in Africa
CONTENTS
Should Africa take the
renewable energy path?
Should Africa take the renewable energy
path? 1
Renewable energy for Malawi’s mountain
entrepreneurs 2
The spread of biofuels in Zambia
Hydropower in East Africa
3
4
Editorial cost, even for people with disposable
incomes.
Scale is a problem; many renewable
Modern energy services are essential energy options are pilot experiences, but
Biogas – an alternative energy source 5
for reducing poverty. Countries need renewables such as small mini-hydro and
Making fuel briquettes to save trees 6 energy to increase economic production, biogas digesters need to spread in ways
which improves livelihood options for that will reach energy-poor people.
Letters to the editor 7 women and men. Energy is also needed to
Africa’s National Adaptation Programmes increase agricultural productivity, provide Development priorities are closely associated
of Action 8 clean water and improve human health, with the uptake of renewables – especially
and energy enables girls and boys to go when these are linked to productive end uses
to school. and the welfare and wellbeing of energy-poor
communities. The articles in this Joto Afrika
Increasing access to energy, particularly are rich in information on how renewable
About Joto Afrika modern and efficient technologies, is a energy can serve multiple functions and how
Joto Afrika is a series of printed briefings key challenge for achieving sustainable energy-poor communities are benefitting
and online resources about adapting to development. But climate change is – from biogas digesters in Uganda to solar
climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. The complicating the energy situation in many power in Malawi. It is clear that environmental
series helps people understand the issues, parts of Africa. benefits are not the main motivation;
constraints and opportunities that poor people improving livelihoods and generating income
face in adapting to climate change and For example, changing rainfall patterns are the key incentives.
escaping poverty. have led to droughts, affecting hydropower
generation in many countries. And climate Africa needs policies to expand countries’
Joto Afrika is Swahili; it can be loosely change is likely to worsen desertification, renewable energy markets – ones that will
reducing tree cover that is already threatened translate into real benefits for small-scale
translated to mean ‘Africa is feeling the heat’.
by deforestation in many places; communities entrepreneurs and end users. But the
Please tell us what you think about this eighth
that rely on traditional fuels such as charcoal biggest challenge is not the limiting policy
issue of Joto Afrika and what you would like
and wood will face an increased burden as environment; the real problem is how to move
to read about in future issues. Contact details
forests become scarcer. A further challenge from the micro to the macro. Africa needs
are on page 8. is that fossil fuel energy is a major emitter to scale up and out successful renewable
of the greenhouse gases that cause climate energy experiences to a magnitude that
change. Global efforts to reduce fossil fuel transforms the lives of millions of people –
use reinforce the need for wider energy people who for too long have lived at the
options in Africa. bottom of the energy ladder.
One alternative is renewable energy. Fatima Denton
Renewable technologies give countries International Development Research Centre
more freedom around their energy choices (IDRC), Climate Change Adaptation in
and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. But Africa Programme (CCAA), Dakar, Peytavin,
renewables in Africa do not always provide Senegal
energy security. Tel +221 33859 7722
fdenton@idrc.ca
Renewable energy resources are
abundant but unevenly distributed,
causing supply issues for some
communities.
The underdeveloped nature of energy
sectors, many of which are inherited See also
from colonial times, and the slow pace
of reform have inhibited the uptake and Links between adaptation, mitigation
institutionalisation of renewables. and low carbon, or ‘climate compatible’
Despite attempts to reform their energy development, Powerpoint presentation by
sectors, many governments have failed to Fatima Denton, IDRC
create the right incentives for companies http://bit.ly/pjVUBI
to explore renewable energy options.
Renewable energy offers multiple
A farmer from Mozambique observes plastic benefits, but can still be prohibitive in
tubular biogas technology during an exchange
visit to Nguruman, Kenya
© Noah Lusaka, ALIN, 2011

2. Renewable energy
for Malawi’s mountain
entrepreneurs
Case study
Women fixing a solar technology system in Malawi
© Clement Nthambazale Nyirenda
The slopes of Mount Mulanje in southern Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, to take part in environmental protection
Malawi have experienced widespread which is implemented by the United activities, such as tree planting.
deforestation. The rising population in Nations Development Programme. The
the area has increased the demand for generators have become the focus for 10 A total of 80,000 trees of various species
timber, firewood and charcoal. Young solar energy clubs, established by the GEF have been planted during two tree-
people in the area collect these fuels in partnership with the Mulanje Mountain planting seasons, all through community
to sell, and previously there were few Conservation Trust. participation. These include species with
income sources with the same immediate high economic and social value, such as
rewards. Since 2009, solar energy clubs Sustainability is always a crucial factor with the nitrogen-fixing Pongamia pinnata, and
are promoting new ways to make a living newly introduced technologies such as solar plants and trees grown and managed for
for over 250 young people. energy. The design, installation and long- their firewood, fodder or medicinal value.
term maintenance of each solar generator
The Energizing Mountainous Communities are the responsibility of an executive solar Raising awareness about the Mount
of Mount Mulanje for Sustainable energy committee, which works alongside Mulanje ecosystem, and building the
Livelihoods (ECOMUSU) project was government extension officers. confidence of the communities in making
started to: decisions on energy and business
Alex Damaliphetsa, National Coordinator development, have created the potential
tackle threats to biodiversity from of the GEF Small Grants Programme in for wider solar energy take-up. And while
deforestation Malawi, admits that renewable energy more funding is required to ensure final
raise awareness of natural resource enterprises do not necessarily bring the checks and balances are in place for long-
management and the value of the forests immediate cash returns that selling firewood term sustainability, seeing the football
introduce ways to prevent deforestation, or charcoal can. But he notes: “One does World Cup on TV shows the young people
including the use of alternative fuels. not have to invest the same amount of of Mount Mulanje what is possible in a
energy once the enterprise is operational, solar-powered future.
Many young people who once sold firewood as opposed to going into the forest to cut
and charcoal now work in ‘alternative firewood or make charcoal. I think we can Georgina Smith
energy enterprises’. These are based in talk of renewable energy as being the smart Mob +26 97869 6577
10 solar-powered business centres around way of making money.” georginaovernorton@hotmail.com
the mountain. Their businesses include
barbershops, battery-charging stations, TV Tree planting Georgina Smith is a science writer based
viewing rooms and telephone bureaus – all As well as promoting alternative energies, in Lusaka, Zambia. A version of this article
powered by solar energy. the project has focused on other solutions was published in New Agriculturist.
to deforestation. A conservation awareness www.new-ag.info
Looking long term campaign has been launched in schools,
Solar generators were installed in 10 youth groups and faith-based organisations,
villages using US$40,534 (£26,272) which offers involvement in renewable
received from the Global Environment energy-based business as an incentive
ika
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Page 2

3. The spread
of biofuels in
Zambia
Research summary
If jatropha is intercropped with food crops, as it is here in northern Zambia,
food security is not always compromised by the jatropha expansion
© Jeff Walker, CIFOR, 2009
Changes in Africa’s energy demands tied to long contracts with one company
and supply will not only depend on to produce biofuel crops. For example,
climatic factors; patterns of economic Marli Investment contracts farmers (or
Do biofuels help to tackle
growth, land use, population growth ‘out-growers’) to produce biofuel crops. climate change?
and distribution, technological change, Farmers in the out-grower scheme have
and social and cultural trends will all be to pay obligatory membership, statutory Biofuels are seen as a way to help
important. Large-scale agro-fuel projects contributions and deductions, while fight climate change as they release
are springing up across the continent in also paying for management, extension less carbon than fossil fuels. This is
response to increasing energy demands. and licensing services. The company because the plants, crops and other
But are they a solution to fighting determines both the price of the seeds vegetation that form the basis of
climate change? and services and the price they pay for biofuels reduce the carbon dioxide in
the farmers’ crops. This limits the options the atmosphere by turning it into less
Biological materials such as wood, dung available to farmers, forcing them to deal harmful organic compounds –
and bagasse have long been used for entirely on the company’s terms. a process called ‘carbon fixation’.
fuel, but now crops are being grown on a
large scale to produce biofuels such as Alternatives to biofuels However, the extent of the climatic
bioethanol and biodiesel. These include The development of biofuels will not benefits depend on: the previous
jatropha, sugar cane, sweet sorghum and produce the desired outcomes – both use of the land on which crops are
cassava. environmental and developmental – unless grown; production patterns (such as
the policy and regulatory framework, the extent of fertiliser use); and the
In Zambia, the biofuel industry is still in its instruments, price signals, market transport range of the produced fuel.
infancy. But similar to other countries in incentives and standards are in place. For example, if biofuel production
southern Africa, the government supports Instead, policymakers in both the developed occurs on previously forested land,
and endorses biofuel production, believing and developing worlds should look for the climatic benefits may be neutral or
it will be good for development, economic solutions that are inherently sustainable, even negative, while biodiversity and
growth, and for the environment. The Fifth such as wind and solar energy, rather than ecosystems, such as water availability,
National Development Plan, launched in trying to make biofuels sustainable. can be severely affected.
2007, identified energy as vital for Zambia’s
social and economic development, and Clement Chipokolo
included developing the biofuel industry in PELUM-Zambia, P.O. Box 30443, Lusaka, See also
its aims. Zambia
Tel +260 95575 2878 A more detailed explanation of biofuels:
There is potential for widespread biofuel chipokoloc@lycos.com http://bit.ly/rmyFNu
production. 66 percent of Zambia’s
landmass is woodland and forest and about
26 percent of this could be cleared to grow
the crops used to produce biofuels (the
other forest areas are important reserves
or protected water catchments). But Join the Joto Afrika
Zambia already experiences serious
deforestation; clearing forests to produce debate online
biofuels will make this worse. Developing Joto Afrika Eldis Community
the biofuel industry will need to be done Group, which has over 1000
with consideration for the environment. members
http://bit.ly/bM3ESo
Out-grower schemes
Private companies are already working Joto Afrika Facebook
to produce biofuels. The Biofuels Group, which has over 184
Association of Zambia has been lobbying friends
the government for incentives to help the http://bit.ly/aMNLth
industry flourish, such as minimum biofuel
blends for all customers and financial
capital to develop the industry.
However, producing crops for biofuels can
create problems for farmers. Many are
Page 3

4. Hydropower in
East Africa
Research summary
A demonstration of improved stoves in Tanzania
© themongers.blogspot.com
East Africa depends heavily on To reduce the vulnerability of large- energy policies must be entrenched in
hydropower for its electricity – it scale hydropower generation to drought power purchase agreements (PPAs).
currently supplies around 79 percent and floods, governments and electricity This will induce more private sector-led
of the region’s electricity. But changing companies need to adopt a more robust investment in renewable energy. The
weather patterns including the predicted and resilient plan to deal with power PPAs must be attractive to companies,
decline in rainfall could be devastating shortfalls. This could be achieved in with a pre-determined standard offer (or
feed-in tariff) at which the national utility
for countries that lack diversified energy several ways.
will purchase all energy produced by
sources. renewable energy plants.
i) Diversify the mix of energy sources
Increased droughts and shorter rainy Countries using renewable energy sources
to diversify their electricity appear better Stephen Karekezi
seasons frequently cripple East Africa’s Energy Environment and Development
power sectors, leading to sharp drops in able to survive the impacts of severe
droughts than those relying exclusively Network for Africa (AFREPREN/FWD),
their economic activity. In addition, the Elgeyo Marakwet Close, Kilimani, P. O.
on hydropower. For example, Kenya is
ongoing encroachment of agricultural and Box 30979, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya
more resilient than Tanzania and Uganda
commercial activities into water catchment to drought-induced power generation Tel +254 72250 9804
areas appears to be making hydropower shortfalls, because Kenya uses a wider stephenk@africaonline.co.ke
even more vulnerable to drought and the range of renewables, including geothermal
erratic weather being experienced across power, biomass generation and, to a lesser
the region. extent, wind.
At the same time, the changes in rainfall ii) Promote proven renewable energy See also
intensity are leading to increased floods. technologies
These lead to the rapid build-up of silt in East African governments are stuck Large scale hydropower, renewable energy
hydropower dams, reducing the amount of in a vicious cycle of heavy investment and adaptation to climate change:
in hydropower; they urgently need to
water for electricity generation. climate change and energy security in East
break out of this. Investments in mature
renewable energy options, such as and Horn of Africa, by Stephen Karekezi,
Governments in East Africa have failed geothermal, small-scale hydropower, John Kimani, Oscar Onguru and Waeni
to plan adequately to tackle these crises biomass cogeneration and wind are Kithyoma, AFREPREN/FWD Occasional
in their power sectors. At present, their ideal sources to complement large- Paper 33, 2009
response during power crises is to buy scale hydropower generation. They are http://bit.ly/ofFMGK
emergency thermal electricity to meet environmentally friendly and provide
the shortfall in power supplies. But this additional development benefits, such as
is expensive and the price is unstable; jobs and reduced oil import bills.
thermal energy is partly linked to world oil
prices, which peaked at US$140 (£90) per iii) Set renewable energy targets
Renewable energy targets in the countries’
barrel in September 2008.
Joto Afrika evaluation: your responses! Boiling Point is a
practitioner’s journal
Dear Readers, for those working
with household
Many thanks for all who participated in the just concluded energy and stoves. It
Joto Afrika evaluation. The feedback was very encouraging deals with technical,
- 90 percent of survey respondents said that they have social, financial and
experienced personal learning from engaging with Joto environmental issues
Afrika. Over 70 percent of survey participants have shared and aims to improve the
Joto Afrika by discussing an article with friends and quality of life for poor communities living in
colleagues, with many specific practical examples of the developing world. Articles are contributed
changes that have happened as a result of this. It was by readers and peer reviewed; the journal
also interesting to learn that community radio stations is a forum for the sharing of information and
also discuss Joto Afrika with their audience! experiences on household energy. Boiling
Point reaches over five thousand addresses
We are hoping that your feedback will inform and has around five times that number of
decisions about future issues of Joto Afrika. readers worldwide.
Keep sharing knowledge on climate change adaptation! More information visit http://bit.ly/mW4t8c
Page 4

5. Biogas – an
alternative
energy source
Case study
Mme Mesafnt and Jean Marc Sika in front of the inlet pipe of her
biogas digester in Ethiopia
© National Biogas Programme of Ethiopia, 2009
Millions of people in the rural areas of improved health; kitchens are now free
Africa face serious energy problems. from smoke and sanitation and hygiene
The availability of traditional fuels
such as wood is declining, while
are improved when a toilet is attached
to the biogas digester
Biogas in Ethiopia
commercial fuels are too expensive or financial savings on fertilisers and fuels Madam Azmera Mesafnt is a dairy
their availability is unreliable. Renewable reduced workloads, especially for farmer with eight hybrid cattle. In
energies such as biogas could lift women and children who no longer August 2008, she invested 6,000
households out of poverty and help need to collect fuelwood. Ethiopian Birr (about £230) in a
small businesses develop. biogas digester. Fed with 80 kgs
Bio-slurry of cow dung, mixed with the same
But renewable energy technologies are Installing a biogas digester has other quantity of water, it produces more
not always accompanied by capacity benefits, particularly bio-slurry – digested than enough gas for her daily
development to support local actors to use manure produced by the decomposition cooking and lighting needs. And her
them. This limits the sustainability of these of organic matter in biogas digesters. This bio-digester is reliable – since 2008,
initiatives. can be used for agriculture and can build she has only had to change the
healthy, fertile soils. Bio-slurry fertiliser has main valve.
The Africa Biogas Partnership Programme a higher yield kg/ha than other fertilisers,
(ABPP), a partnership between HIVOS and users do not need to buy chemical Interviewed by Ethiopian TV,
(Humanist Institute for Cooperation with fertilisers and pesticides. Biogas users Madam Mesafnt identified the
Developing Countries), SNV (Netherlands in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Senegal and many benefits of biogas. “I am free
Development Organisation) and the Dutch Uganda increasingly value the benefits of from smoke and have installed
Ministry for Development Cooperation, bio-slurry more than biogas. my kitchen in the main house
supports domestic biogas programmes in [rather than outside]. I save time
Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, The ABPP’s dissemination model is inspired because cooking is faster; I save
Tanzania and Uganda. by the successful sector development approximately 300 birr (£11.30)
approach implemented by SNV in Asia for per month as I don’t need to buy
By 2013, the ABPP aims to construct 70,000 more than 20 years. This model is based kerosene, wood fuel and charcoal.
biogas plants and, in each of these countries, on multi-actor initiatives to build a sector, I also use biogas to boil drinking
stimulate the emergence and development and market-based relationships to build water.
of a commercially viable, market-oriented sustainability.
domestic biogas sector. These are expected “I now legally practice my farming
to provide half a million people with access There are many constraints which in town. Before, it was forbidden
to a sustainable energy source. help explain the slow uptake of biogas by the municipality because of
technology in Africa. The cost of a biogas the sanitation conditions and
Biogas digester remains the major one; this initial nuisances for the neighbours (due
Biogas is produced from animal waste, investment is very high when considering to the smell of the cows’ manure).
organic materials and human excreta. the purchasing power of many rural Thanks to biogas, this is no longer
This is collected and controlled in a simple households. As an example, the digester a concern and my farming has been
underground structure known as a biogas which Mme Mesafnt bought (see box) cost legalised.”
digester, which can be installed in a 6,000 Ethiopian Birr (£233) in August 2008;
household’s compound. Biogas has multiple now it cost 14,500 Birr (£538). This is a She also uses the wet and dry bio-
benefits for people in rural communities. major challenge to increasing the market for slurry as manure on her vegetable
Biogas users in Tanzania and Uganda household biogas digesters. garden, as well as for commercial
identified the main benefits as: plants. Azizi can really see the
Jean Marc Sika difference; the plants grow larger
a source of cooking fuel that replaces ABPP, P.O. Box 19875-00202, Nairobi, than with chemical fertilisers and
wood for rural households Kenya are more resistant to disease
reliable lighting in areas not connected jmsika@hivos.or.ke because the manure does not
to the national electricity grid and grid- contain pathogens, thanks to the
connected areas with an unreliable anaerobic digestion.
service
Page 5