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Asian Regional Wood Energy Development Programme - An uncertain future? by Clare Heyting

Boiling Point
Front cover of Boiling Point issue 33
Issue 33 (1994) Household Energy Developments in Asia
ArticleAsian Regional Wood Energy Development Programme - An uncertain future?
AuthorClare Heyting
The last edition of Wood Energy News (Volume 6, Number 2, November 1993) reported an uncertain future for the activities of the Regional Wood Energy Development Programme (RWEDP). At the time the journal went to press, it was stated that 'the Government of the Netherlands has informed FAO that a decision on funding the proposed follow-up project has been postponed pending an overall review of priorities for development co-operation in relation to available financial resources'.

RWEDP was launched by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in 1985, during a period in which there was increasing concern over energy issues, especially after the 1981 Nairobi conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, and an FAO/ESCAP (Economic and Social Commisssion for Asia and the Pacific) workshop in 1983. The Netherlands' Government assisted and various countries of the region participated in the programme.

The aims of the project were to give assistance and training in the technical and socio-economic aspects of wood energy production and utilization systems. To this end Wood Energy News was established as a priority activity, the first issue appearing in January 1986. The other activities of RWEDP were summarized as follows:
  1. Training and exchange of personnel, particularly with regard to the introduction or adaptation of wood energy matters in forestry oriented curricula, the training of trainers, and the strengthening of capabilities in the planning of wood energy strategies.
  2. Information and extension, with emphasis on the exchange of information on research and development programmes and results, dissemination of information relevant to farmers and field staff, and on the development of appropriate communication and extension techniques and materials.
  3. Research, development and demonstration, with emphasis on access to improved genetic material and on conversion technologies.
  4. Technical assistance, with emphasis on the formulation of wood energy policies and strategies, monitoring and evaluation of wood energy programmes, and the design or adaptation of suitable training programmes.
RWEDP has, however, remained fluid and responsive to its member countries' needs, offering a valuable focal point for the various national and regional organizations, and linking its activities with other projects in the field. The newsletter has proved to be an invaluable vehicle for the reportage and exchange of information on wood energy issues and as a way of disseminating research and experience gathered in the field. Funding for RWEDP's projects has been secured in phases; at each phase, the projects have been expanded or modified in response to the changing needs of its member countries.

RWEDP informs us that since the last issue of Wood Energy News, no decision has been made about the funding of the next phase of the project. The implications are that RWEDP's activities may have to be lessened considerably, or even closed down. Many of the acitivities initiated by RWEDP have since been taken over by other, regional organizations, with the support of RWEDP. Others, for example energy conversion, may be taken over by the Asia Regional Cookstove Programme (ARECOP), based in Indonesia. However, with an unplanned closure and therefore insufficient time to organize an adequate handover, efforts to transfer experience and expertise in this field will be hampered, and much knowledge may be lost. The future of planned activities in Asia for the next few years - focusing on wood energy planning - looks unpromising.

Energy issues are currently of global interest because of their environmental implications. For millions of people across the developing world, however, interest in energy is a more urgent priority. While people in industrialized nations may worry about the ozone layer and greenhouse gases, those in developing countries may be spending what is often hours each day searching for woodfuel for their cooking and heating needs.

We hope that RWEDP will be able to continue to research and develop issues which are of such crucial importance to so many people. Boiling Point will continue to report on the situation.

(Wood Energy News, Volume 1, Number 1, January 1986)

[top] [end]Contents: Boiling Point 33: Household Energy Developments in Asia

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Asian stove programmes as seen by ARECOP - Stove work in Nepal- Nepals Community Forestry Development Programme - The Anagi - successful Sri Lankan stove - Next steps for Sri Lanka stove programmes - Cookstove programme in Indonesia - Keralas Parishad chulha programme - Magan Chulha - Kallupatti - Sukad - The Philippines Improved Stove Programme 1995-2000 - The Vientiane energy switch - Asian Regional Wood Energy Development Programme - What makes people cook with improved stoves - A steel and concrete stove for Nicaragua - Zimbabwes Sloven woodstove - Better biomass residue fuel cakes - Photovoltaics for Senegal - Ethanol stoves for Mauritius - Will people change their diets to save fuel - The better bonfire



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