The Rising Nepal

Rural Energy Development [ 2006-9-6 ]
THE application of rural energy development technologies in the country have begun to show positive results. Since the launching of these technologies, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been achieved to an appreciable extent. This has come about through the development of decentralised energy systems in the rural areas. The benefits accruing from the energy development technologies have resulted, in among things, reduction in the dependence on fuel energies, including fuel wood and expensive kerosene. This has, in a large measure, contributed to environment conservation. Thus, the technologies for rural energy development should be accorded due priority and their application encouraged and given continuity. A recent survey carried on these technologies and their impact indicates substantive progress in education, income generation, health, sanitation, gender, energy and environment. Following the launching of the energy development programme, the targeted households have managed to increase their income. Other noteworthy findings were that the school dropout rate of children has dropped, and at the same time school enrollment has increased. Also it was found that the maternal and infant mortality rate has declined significantly.

The number of those using toilets has also increased, and at the same time tap water was made available to more people. These technologies have also increased women's participation in development activities. As the country is largely dependent on fossil fuel, the rural energy development technologies should be within the reach of all the rural populace for through their adoption the living standard of the people living in the rural areas could be enhanced. As the bulk of the people in Nepal reside in the rural areas, the development goals, as envisaged by the development planners, are not possible without first addressing the pressing needs of the rural population, many of whom live below the poverty line. Since the rural energy development technologies can be applied without much effort, this is all the more reason for launching these technologies in the country's hinterlands. Since these technologies have shown to be directly linked with the Millennium Development Goals, they should be popularised. These technologies have been found suitable for the needs of the country and are very convenient. Those with the knowledge about these technologies should disseminate them to others. Preferably, the rural energy developed technologies should be launched as a national campaign. They being efficient by nature would bring immense benefits for the country. This would also change the obsolete way energy is being used and managed in the country.