Publications

Energy in Africa capability statement

A technical feasibility study on the implementation of a biogas promotion programme in the Sikasso region in Mali (2007).

Study findings in terms of technical feasibility revealed that although water resources availability was sufficient for a biogas system, and the average temperature allowed for the installation to function, collecting manure difficulties proved to be the biggest challenge, as it was not guaranteed throughout the year due to the temporary migration in the dry season. Further, the number of families that do have cattle around the household year-round was too small. A biogas system that requires daily input was, therefore, not feasible in the studied context. In terms of energy consumption, kerosene was the most widely lighting source used and its costs were constantly rising which was seen as a considerable problem by rural households. Further, if biogas was to be introduced, both men and women would use it mainly for lighting and not for cooking. In terms of financing, it was concluded that even with a high subsidy the value of the biodigester was considered insufficient.

Based on the study results, it was concluded that biogas introduction would most likely be unsuccessful in the studied region. Firstly, this is because there is absence of a regular supply of dung at most farms. Secondly, the costs for the biogas plant construction are high because of the need for large batch-fed plants, and thirdly, gas would only be used for lighting which makes other renewable energy sources more suitable.

This factsheet contains information on SNV's improved cookstoves around the globe, as well as its partnership in the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, a public private initiative led by the UN Foundation.

The 2012 SNV Mali annual report gives an insight of activities undertaken during the year in the country. The report also includes illustrations depicting the year achievements in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Health and Tousrim.

The brochure is a compilation of various case studies illustrating the impact of SNV's work in the life of millions of people in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

It portrays the approaches and methods used by SNV to empower local communities, businesses and organisations to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services.

SNV West and Central Africa is presenting through the 2011 case study anthology, a selection of its regional interventions. The different cases present the various contexts in which we operate, our approaches and their sustainability, who we work with and our results.

This document sought to analyse our work in the view of getting out the lessons learned from our experiences with regards to what has work and what has not. Besides, the anthology is a tool for knowledge sharing and learning for other organisations or individuals who may wish to scale up the work initiated.