This just in from REEEP Partner Organisation Eco Ltd, who are working with Practical Action to promote a new report from the Food and AgricultureCultivation of the ground and harvesting of crops and handling of livestock, the primary function is the provision of food and feed. Organisation (FAO) and PISCES (Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy Security), a five year Research Programme Consortium funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) and co-ordinated by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya.

The report documents the poverty impacts from biofuel and other bioenergy projects through fifteen case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The research aimed to assess the impacts that different types of local-level bioenergyEnergy from sustainable sources such as forests and agriculture (like wood and energy crops), but also manure and other biodegradable wastes. Includes biogas, biofuels and solid biomass. initiatives can have on rural livelihoodsSustainable livelihood includes job opportunities that are of a non-invasive type, and exclude extensive felling, heavy fishery, mono-cultures and other activities than permanently harm the environment; it also includes an lifestyle that takes care of any gives assets, such as fresh water or .... The case studies show that local, small-scale bioenergy initiatives can bring real and sustainable benefits to poor communities in developing countries.

Today, at least 1.6 billion people in the world have no access to electricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons., and over 2 billion still rely on traditional biomass for their everyday cooking and heating needs. It is increasingly recognised that improved access to energyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. services is essential if the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are to be achieved.

The 15 cases were selected to highlight the use of a range of Bioenergy resources including natural Bioresources (plants which are naturally grown as opposed to cultivated crops); Bioresidues from existing forestryForestry is the management and care of woods, including fellings and plantation of new trees., agricultural or industrial activities; and purpose grown energy cropsEnergy plants are plants that get cropped or felled to produce electrical or thermal energy., better known as BiofuelsLiquid fuels and blending components produced from biomass (plant) feedstocks, used primarily for transportation.
Bio fuels are liquid fuels that are produced of plant material or herbal remains.. In order to investigate the full scope of bioenergy applications, the matching of these resources to a range of energy needs (cooking, mobility and electricity for lighting and communication etc) was specified.

The study confirms that a much greater efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. in natural resource use is possible; but long-term planning and regulation play a crucial role, and broad stakeholder collaboration in the market chain is key to successful start-up. Local and productive energy end-uses can develop virtuous circles of livelihoodSustainable livelihood includes job opportunities that are of a non-invasive type, and exclude extensive felling, heavy fishery, mono-cultures and other activities than permanently harm the environment; it also includes an lifestyle that takes care of any gives assets, such as fresh water or ... benefits, but it is also beneficial to incorporate options for flexibility and diversification to reduce producer risk. To ensure vulnerable people are not disadvantaged by the potential negative impacts, social safeguards need to be in place.

The study can be downloaded from the publications page of the PISCES website.