Energy for Rural Livelihoods A Framework for Sustainable Decision Making

This manual presents a range of analytical techniques to assist in evaluating and comparing energy technology options from a variety of important perspectives. The work distils experiences and draws lessons from previous rural energy activities, and presents a variety of relevant analysis tools that will contribute towards upgrading current decision making practices in rural energy development. The manual demonstrates how integrating technical, economic, social, institutional and environmental criteria forms the basis of 'good practice'in rural energy planning and policy development. Analytical techniques are described and illustrated with the help of case studies and information acquired from various parts of the developing world, in order to show how the techniques can be applied in real situations. The primary audience for the manual consists of energy analysts, policy makers, development workers and researchers in developing countries. The book will also be useful to academics interested in development issues, energy industry experts and decision makers at the local or government level involved in making decisions about energy and development policies.