Sparknet

Sparknet is an interdisciplinary knowledge network focusing on energy for low-income households in Southern and East Africa. Sparknet is sponsored by the European Commission's 5th Framework Programme for Research under the research and technological development programme "Confirming the International Role of Community Research (INCO)", and coordinated by the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) in close cooperation with Eco Ltd, both based in the United Kingdom.

Acting as a 'virtual community' and meeting / publishing through the Internet - both the world wide web and email - Sparknet brings together stakeholders from seven countries in Southern and East Africa and three from the European Union around the issue of energy and poverty in low-income households. The network initially runs until December 2004. Sparknet members in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa, working with local NGO, Private Sector, and Government associates will compare and contrast the prevailing rural household energy situation in each country so as to highlight policy options and innovation opportunities. Two international Internet-conferences will be held so as to assist with the dissemination of the results.

Sparknet aims to make available online unique resources for policy makers, companies, and civil society. Visitors to the web site have access to briefing papers on the relationship between Health, Gender and Forestry and Energy Poverty, as well as details of Sparknet members and associates in the target countries. Over the next years, additional resources will be made available by network members, including detailed country reports, scenario analyses, and policy assessments.

Further details

See also

• Sparknet Main Page
• Sparknet Project Profiles
• Sparknet Country Overviews
• Sparknet E-Conferences