Urban energy challenges in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sustainable energy supply challenges have provided key areas of concern in African cities. Considering the links between vegetation modification and woodfuel production, consumption and exchange in cities, academics and policy actors are turning attention to the matter as it forms key challenges to social and environmental sustainability. Researchers have warned that the dynamic impacts of a rapidly changing world economy including the limited physical availability of, and economic accessibility to, non-wood energy substitutes is challenging traditional resource management systems, and is threatening the long-term diversification and sustainability of local and regional systems in urban centres. This project reviewed attempts to deal with the problems through scientific/technical sector-based interventions designed and implemented through science-based action plans. Observed outcomes often show disappointing results. It became clear therefore that sustainable solutions require social transformation to be achieved through co-designing of projects which must involve community mobilization and empowerment. In the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where there are presently several cities with huge population that continue to expand through high growth rates and rural urban migration, the Dryland Network (DRYCON) aimed to co-design a research project focussed on mitigating and/or leading to sustainable adaptation to dryland conditions. The project mobilized different expert groups and other stakeholders on urban management to work as a team and built trust to address the urban energy challenges through socio-cultural interventions. The Network focused sustainable transition to renewable and more sustainable energy. So far, the group has been fully mobilized and has created an acceptable learning environment through dialogue, negotiations, and a sense of humility amongst the different group members.