Increasing access to RE and EE technologies in Ethiopia through sustainable cooperative societies

Background

Ethiopia’s national Carbon Resilient Green Economy plan includes the distribution of nine million energy efficient cook stoves. The national government is also focused on increasing the renewable energy sector, particularly solar, and establishing companies to produce in and supply rural Ethiopia with these technologies.

World Vision Ethiopia has an established presence, reach and credibility with both local communities and government agencies.  Setting up local cooperatives and developing appropriate financial tools and training can support the efforts of the government to bring affordable, quality RE & EE technology to the most needed areas in Ethiopia.

Purpose

To establish sustainable cooperative societies in two off-grid, low-income rural communities in southern Ethiopia; supplying solar-powered lights and efficient cookstoves to areas currently dependent on kerosene for lighting and biomass sources for cooking

Main Activities

  • Engage with local Government agencies to develop community cooperatives to supply solar lights and stoves.
  • Finance energy efficient stoves and solar lights through innovative financial products such as revolving funds that are administered by and for communities
  • Work closely with local stove producers and solar lighting importers to help create employment and ensure quality standards
  • Train cooperatives in bookkeeping, technology repair and production of stoves

Expected Impact

  • Access to solar lighting and energy efficient cookstoves provided for 3000 off-grid households
  • Formation of 300 cooperative societies undertaking financial transactions through revolving funds
  • Training of 3000 individuals in skills such as bookkeeping, technology repair, and stove production
  • Achieved savings of approx. US$ 73,500 per month from reduced kerosene and fuel wood consumption
  • Increased disposable income and improved household economic status
  • Decreased indoor air pollution and reduced pressure on the environment by lowering the need for biomass
  • Creation of a replicable model that can be expanded from the initial two districts
Programme sector
Renewable Energy and Business
Location
Ethiopia
Duration
2012 - 2014
Budget
$306,500 including co-funding from World Vision Australia
Implementing agency
World Vision Australia (WVA) Food, Climate, Energy & Natural Resources together with World Vision Ethiopia (WVE)