Description of the project

Description of the project: India produces large quantities of fruits and vegetables, but more than 50% of this is wasted. The project aims to: 1) demonstrate the commercial viability of solar drying of fruits, vegetables and condiments, and convert them into profitable products on a micro enterprise scale; 2) equip rural poor women with solar dryers and train them on proper use. Sthree Sakthi Mahila Samajam installed solar powered air dryers in 2017 under the Socio-Economic Program of AIWC.

The guidebook focuses on the productive use of efficient biomass applications and solar dryers. The publication informs on available thermal energy technologies for productive purposes, with a focus on micro, small and medium enterprises in the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors in rural areas. It provides practical guidance on how energy practitioners can effectively promote the distribution of efficient biomass and solar thermal appliances.

This demonstration guide describes the Solomon Islands Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) project.

Aimed primarily at climate change practitioners across the Pacific region, it gives details of the planning and execution of this food security project, with a focus on lessons learned along the way and best practices identified.

Background

Many different financial instruments have been used individually to promote renewable energy development in rural settings. However taken in isolation most of these are not financially viable for small landholdings of 1/10 hectare. There is a need to redefine the role of RE by its capacity to develop high-value products rather than simply act as a substitute for another energy source and to develop and support the entire commercial chain through financing.