ABSTRACT The pattern and profile & energy use prevailing today raises important questions about linkages between energy and the economy, social issues, security and above all, environmental protection. Rwanda has a number of potential energy resources from blomass, hydro, solar, petroleum, methane gas, wind and geothermal. However, the major Issue in this regard Is the technological exploitation and scientific data on this potential. The widespread and inefficient use of traditional blomass with low technologies and methods like the three stones stove for wood, coupled with inefficient kllns for charcoal, contributes to the overexploitatlon of forest stocks, environmental degradation, and health problems. The study was mainly a field survey carried out in Ruklra sector of Ngoma District, Eastern Province in Rwanda. The objectives of the study were: to assess the challenges faced by Rwandan rural women in gathering fuel wood as a source of energy, to identify the different energy sources used for lighting and cooking, to establish the scientific firewood scarcity in the study area and to find out the environmental consequences of using firewood. A number of research instruments were used in the study: Questionnaires, Interviews, observations and review of related literature. The sampling technique used was systematic purposive sampling to ensure that all the targeted population was fully and objectively involved in the study. The major findings of the study are that the sources of energy used for cooking and lighting in rural areas are dry wood, charcoal, crop residues, paraffin, candle and biogas. The causes of firewood decrease are population growth, insufficient forests, lack of land for tree plantation and poverty, among others. lime consuming, heavy woridoads, lack of access to education or to income generating activities and exposure to Indoor air pollution are among the challenges faced by rural women. The main environmental impacts associated with firewood use and collection are forest destruction, soil erosion and indoor air pollution. Finally, the study reveals that sustaining our environment is crucial for both present and future generations and thus all attempts aiming at soMng energy problems in rural areas must involve women for their success.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DECLARATION A
DECLARATION B
APPROVAL SHEET
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS vm
CHAPTER ONE 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1
Background of the study
Statement of the problem 3
Purpose of the study
Research objectives
Research questions S
Scope of the study 6
Justification of the study 6
CHAPTER TWO 8
LITERATURE REVIEW 8
Introduction 8
Challenges faced by women in gathering firewood 8
Current energy sources
Nonrenewable energy
Fossil fuels
Energy from waste 10
Renewable energy 11
Brief history of energy technology 12
Changing energy needs
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Energy consumption per capita .13
Causes of firewood scarcity 14
Environmental consequences resulting from firewood use ii.
Problems with fossil fuels and biomass 16
Socio~economic impacts of insufficient firewood in rural areas 16
Alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and firewood
Solar energy 17
Hydroelectric power 18
Wind energy 18
Geothermal energy 19
Nuclear energy 19
CHAPTER THREE 21
MATERIALS AND METHODS 21
Description of the study area 21
Research design 23
Sampling procedure and sample size 23
Data collection methods 23
Interviewing 23
Direct observation 24
Photography 24
Questionnaires 24
Documentary sources 24
Data processing, analysis and presentation 25
Ethical considerations 25
CHAPTER FOUR 26
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 26
Sources of fuel for cooking and lighting 26
Sources of energy for lighting 28
The magnitude of firewood scarcity 29
The chi- square (x2) test 31
Challenges faced by rural women in collecting firewood 33
The environmental impacts associated with firewood use 36
The alternatives to face the firewood scarcity 38
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CHAPTER FIVE .40
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 40
Introduction 40
Conclusion 40
Recommendations 41
REFERENCES 44
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Ngoma District map 47
Appendix 2: Cells of Rukira sector, their population and households 47
Appendix 3: Questionnaire 48
RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 51
TRANSMITTAL LETTER 53