Energy and Sustainability Africa - March 2024

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FREECOPY SCAN & SHARE A COPY RURAL AFRICA: TIME IS NOW! MARCH, 2024 Facts & Analysis ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY AFRICA The Energy and Sustainability Africa (previously known as the RDJ Briefing) and it's analysis is written and authored through collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia ISSN2026-9099

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33 TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY THE ENERGY SECTOR TENDERS CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS MY ENERGY LIFE SERIES C O N T E N T S 04 EDITORIAL AGRICULTURE WATER 32 28 24 M A R 2 0 2 4 DID YOU KNOW? 08 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 16 14 09 10 12 NUCLEAR ENERGY RENEWABLE ENERGY 18 22 THE ECONOMY 06 YOUTH IN ACTION Facts & Analysis ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY AFRICA

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DearReader,

Editorial

RURAL AFRICA: TIME IS NOW!

Welcome to another edition of Energy and SustainabilityAfrica!

This edition helps us focus on the advances that society has made in technology and communications while seeing that these developments can help accelerate rural life Therecanbenomisconceptionthatwelivein a world that technology drives productivity andisintertwinedwithallaspectsofourlives

Africahasintheeyesofsome“arrived”lateto the technology party, but Africa has been deliberate in most cases. Having understood that technology advances exponentially, mature technologies are essential because that is the point at which prices fall and performanceisbetterunderstood

These are all essential factors as rural communities get to achieve clean energy servicesandbettertransportnetworks Other advances are benefiting water supplies and agriculture but there is no mistake that some others such as electric vehicles and aircrafts willupthegameforruraldevelopment.

Yours, editor@rdjpublishing.africa

NOTE 1: We welcome letters and articles from readers globally and require that you provide your full details such as name, current address and contact phone/WhatsApp number as well as email. We however reserve the right to amend, modify or reject submissions. You may also request that your details be withheld from publication

NOTE 2: Energy and Sustainability Africa is published monthly and is FREE to Readers The magazine is paid for by advertising and the research support from RDJ Consulting Services CC, Windhoek, Namibia.

(DavidA.Jarrett) Editor Authors RDJResearchers

Hope you find this edition of Energy and Sustainability Africa informative as we encourage you to follow us and engage with usonalloursocialmediaaccounts Asalways, the conversation continues at esa@rdjpublishing.africa.

This report is a FREE Publication written and authored through collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

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T H E E C O N O M Y

Understanding Africa's Rural Areas: A Socio-economic view

The definition of what a rural area is keeps evolving as living standards and dynamics shift over time. In the African context, a rural area is typically a

geographic region outside urban centers characterized by low population density, predominantly agrarian economies, and limited access to infrastructure and basic services Various definitions and criteria may be used to classify areas as rural, depending on national statistical systems, development policies, and research methodologies. As we tap into the topic of Rural Development in this edition of the Energy and Sustainability Africa magazine, this article therefore will take you though some important components of Africa's rural areas and provide basic understanding of the socioeconomic structure of rural life

Demography

Africa's rural population remains significant, with around 60% of the continent's population residing in rural areas as of 2020, according to the World Bank. However, this

figure varies widely between countries and regions. For instance, countries like Niger, Burundi, and Malawi have predominantly rural populations, while others, such as South Africa and Nigeria, have more urbanized populations The age structure of rural populations in Africa tend to be youthful, with a higher proportion of children and young adults

In terms of gender, Afrobarometer reports that considering its 34 national representative sample of African countries, 55% of women in Africa reside in rural enumeration areas These proportions however again followed the trend and varied widely by country, ranging from just one-fifth in Gabon (21%) to more than threefourths in eSwatini (83%), Niger (83%), Malawi (81%), Madagascar (78%), Mali (78%), and Burkina Faso (77%).

Rural areas in Africa often experience rapid population growth due to factors such as high fertility rates and limited access to family planning services This growth presents challenges for resource allocation,

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development, and service provision

Economy

Africa’s rural economy is mainly characterized by agriculture The International Labour Organization (ILO), national labor force survey data indicates that the majority of rural Africans are engaged in agriculture, with limited access to formal employment opportunities. Subsistence farming in rural communities is therefore common, although there is also a growing commercial agriculture sector, including cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, and cotton As a result, rural economies are reported to significantly contribute to national GDP in many African countries, particularly through agriculture and related sectors. In fact, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that the agriculture sector employs about 60% of Africa's population and contributes about 25% to Africa's GDP However, due to the agrarian nature of rural communities, the attraction to urban areas is high

Challenge to Economic Development

Despite rural communities in Africa accommodating over half of the continent’s population, these areas still face significant economic bottlenecks that hinders rapid development. The World Bank statistics show that access to basic services remains limited in many rural areas of Africa, with significant disparities across regions Some of these include the lack of access to basic infrastructure within rural settings such as clean water supply, adequate healthcare facilities, educational institutions, paved roads, electricity and modern technology. Availability and access to such services is often limited, and transportation networks may be rudimentary.

As a result, people tend to migrate often Despite statistics

indicating a youthful population in rural areas, many of these young people are not permanent in rural communities. They tend to move to urban areas in search of work or better education, and therefore leaving behind the younger and elderly who may not be as productive. In the end, the lack of economic opportunities, limited agricultural productivity, and environmental pressures in rural areas becomes the major cause of increased ruralto-urban migration Nonetheless, other natural factors such as seasonal labor movements and displacement due to conflict or environmental degradation also contribute tomigrationinruralareas

Despite all these challenges, rural areas remain an important part for any economy towards achieving sustainability and development The International Trade Centre (ITC) reveals the importance of agricultural exports from rural Africa to global markets, highlighting the role of rural economies in international trade Making rural areas sustainable through investments in critical areas is vital to the economic, social and environmental viabilityofnations.

What else do you think can be done to ensure growth and economic development of these areas that hold more thanhalfofourcontinent’spopulation?Theconversation continuesat esa@rdjpubishing.africa

Readings:

file:///Users/rdjmggroup/Downloads/asyb 2021 final 2 pdf

https://www ilo org/surveyLib/index php/collections/LFS

https://www afrobarometer org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/02/ad397africas rural women bear brunt of economic exclusionafrobarometer dispatch-9oct10 pdf

https://www un org/africarenewal/magazine/special-editionagriculture-2014/denting-youth-unemployment-throughagriculture

The age structure of rural populations in Africa tend to be youthful, with a higher proportion of children and young adults.
www.rdjpublishing.africa 7 MARCH, 2024
infrastructure
Courtesy:Flickr

Did you know?

Africa’sRuralpopulationstoodat51.76% in2022,withBurundihavingthehighest ruralpopulationof85.53%andGabon havingthelowestof9.27%. (theglobaleconomy.com)

Quick Facts

The World Counts estimates the world rural population increase of 110 million people between 2015 and 2030 (https://www.theworldcounts.com/populations/w orld/world-rural-population)

AfricaandAsiabecamehometoalmost90percent of the world’s rural population in 2018. India had the largest rural population with 893 million peoplefollowedbyChinawith578million.

Slums in sub-Saharan Africa are growing at 453 percent annually, compared with 2.20 percent in SouthernAsia.By2030,Africa’spopulationwillbe close to 50 percent urban, and the expansion of slumswillcontinuetotransferpovertynestsfrom rural zones to urban ones. (AfDB Energy Sector Policy)

43% of rural population in all African countries haveaccesstoanall-seasonroad,comparedtoa world rural population access of 69% in the year 2014 (AfricanDevelopmentBank)

ElectricitycoverageinAfricarangesfrom65%in

urbanareasto28%inruralareas.(African DevelopmentBank,2014).

Africa has the lowest electrification rate of all regions.Itisestimatedthatonly42percentofthe population has access to electricity, compared with 75 percent in the developing world In SubSaharan Africa the ratio is much lower, at 30 percent and only 14 percent in rural areas. (AfDB EnergySectorPolicy).

Over 640 million Africans have no access to energy,correspondingtoanelectricityaccessrate for African countries at just over 40 percent, the lowestintheworld (AfricanDevelopmentBank) Agriculture is still the biggest employer of rural youth in most low- and middle-income countries(InternationalLabourOrganization)

In 2021, 52% of employed people in Sub-Saharan Africawereactiveinagriculture,and Roughly 45% of the world’s area suitable for sustainable agriculture production expansion is locatedinAfrica.

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Courtesy:Flickr
9 MARCH, 2024 O I L & G A S www.rdjpublishing.africa THE ENERGY SECTOR The US$ equivalent refers to current exchange rates (March 2024) Data Source: www mme gov na, theglobaleconomy com Petrol Diesel March 2024 Fuel Prices Update NAMIBIA SOUTHAFRICA ANGOLA NIGERIA BOTSWANA Effectiveasof06March2024 N$21.05/ US$1.11 perlitreDiesel50ppm Effectiveasof 06March2024 N$20.78/ US$1.10 perlitrePetrolUnleaded95 Effectiveasof 06March2024 R24.92/ US$1.32 perlitreDiesel50ppm Effectiveasof 06March2024 R24.09/ US$1.27 perlitrePetrolUnleaded95 Effective as of 04 March 2024 Kz 135.00/ US$ 0.16 perlitreDiesel50ppm Effective as of 04 March 2024 Kz 300.00/ US$ 0.36 perlitrePetrolUnleaded95 Effective as of 04 March 2024 ₦ 1,153.01/ US$ 0.74 perlitreDiesel50ppm Effective as of 04 March 2024 ₦ 668.30/ US$ 0.43 perlitrePetrolUnleaded95 Effective as of 04 March 2024 P 15.12/ US$ 1.10 perlitrePetrolUnleaded95 Effective as of 04 March 2024 P 17.00/ US$ 1.24 perlitreDiesel50ppm www.rdjpublishing.africa

N U C L E A R E N E R G Y

Nuclear Power: Is Africa Ready?

(supercritical water or carbon dioxide)

Nuclear power is not new in Africa as the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in South Africa at 2 GW demonstrates, having been in operation since

1984/85, taking around 8 years for construction. Egypt having taken a decision in 2015, has its El Dabaa Nuclear Power Station under development with an expected commissioning date in 2026 that when completed will provide 4 4 GW Recently (April 2023 - March 2024), several other countries on the African continent have indicated a desire to have nuclear power as a solution or dare I say panacea to their electricity shortfalls (aka load Shedding).

Now anyone familiar with these supply challenges coupled with the high unelectrified numbers, can then

relate to the need for additional baseload power to complement renewables as well as reduce the cost / supply risk impact for oil importing nations Africa being described as “hungry for energy” will need to ramp up its generation infrastructure as well as transmission networks to meet energy security needs of the 21st century and beyond.

a“majorundertaking”involvingupto15yearsanda100yearcommitment.

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Reactor core Turbine loop Heatbuffer Heatexchanger Pump Liquidlead Coolant loop Fuse plug Protective gas atmosphere Gas cleaning system Fuel storage
Schematic-NuclearPowerPlantCourtesy:DualFluid

As with all industries, the need for regulatory support and action is also, and even more so present in the nuclear industry One of the bodies set up to deal with this is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who identifies the setting up of a nuclear programme as a “major undertaking” involving up to 15 years and a 100-year commitment

It must also be noted that the decision for nuclear power in a member state will be theirs and can then get support / guidance using the IAEA “Milestones Approach” This entails a three-phase set of steps that helps the country determine if nuclear power is actually the right choice (the WHY nuclear), preparation (the WHAT and HOW) and finally the build/operation phase.

One approach that seems to bridge the gap is that of setting up research plants The IAEA in a 107-page report as part of its Nuclear Energy Series (No NP-T-5 1), outlines the considerations and milestones to be reached for development of a research reactor The first milestone is justification (the WHY). This of itself means that the reactor should meet the needs of all the potential stakeholders and align with the financial resources available for such an endeavour

The budget liability of a research reactor can as be stated by the IAEA document, create a commitment for up to 100 years or more on a member state although there are exceptions to this point. Let’s examine some recent announcements:

Rwanda, through the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), signed an agreement with Dual Fluid to collaborate on the development of a demonstration Dual Fluid nuclear reactor in Rwanda The demonstration reactor is expected to be operational by 2026. Dual Fluid (https://dualfluid.com/) motto or theme (depending how you view it), is Maximum Power, Minimum Cost. Their approach or claim is that the nuclear fuel that is usually classified as waste from current reactor (light water reactor – LWR) designs, is used as fuel in their innovative designed reactors utilising higher temperatures This as they note would theoretically allow “spent” fuel to have a second life in their reactors, driving down costs.

An unintended consequence of this would be the commensurate drop in Uranium prices as the waste would in essence now be a competitor to yellow cake suppliers Another key feature is the reactor size being noted as small, compact and safe Ultimately, this Fifth-Generation (5th Gen) system is still in the Research and Development (R & D) phase with them indicating a protype by 2029 and commercialproductionby2034

Kenya (https://twitter com/nuclearkenya?lang=en) is also making sounds on the issue with a construction start touted for 2027 with two sites being considered for the final build location. The bidding is set or proposed for 2026-27 but no indication of the size. The Kenyan Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) created more certainty on their intention by launching a Strategic Plan (2023 –2027)inMarch2023givingmomentum.

The IAEA states that Kenya has made “significant” progress (December 2023) towards a national nuclear infrastructureforits(Kenya)researchreactorprogramme. This is touted as a first step towards a future nuclear programme with the first research reactor in place by 2030orlatest2034

Ultimately, the choice will really depend on effective energy planning aligned with economic realities and aspiration As always, the conversations continue esa@rdjpubishing.africa

Readings:

https://dual-fluid com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DualFluid Power-Plant-300 EN RGB.png

https://www world-nuclear-news org/Articles/Demonstrationreactor-to-be-built-in-Rwanda

https://www iaea org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-reviewskenyas-nuclear-infrastructure-development-for-new-researchreactor-programme

https://www iaea org/sites/default/files/18/01/developing-thenational-nuclear-infrastructure-for-nuclear-power pdf

https://www theeastafrican co ke/tea/business/kenya-to-buildnuclear-power-plant-from-2027-4380566

https://www nuclear co ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NuPEA2023-2027-Strategic-Plan pdf

https://www iaea org/sites/default/files/iaea-ccnp2022-bodyweb pdf

www.rdjpublishing.africa 11 MARCH, 2024
KoebergNuclearPowerStationCourtesy:GettyImages

R E N E W A B L E E N E R G Y

Rural Independence: Empowering Communities with Clean Energy

lean energy is not a need confined to urban communities Access to electricity is a fundamental necessity crucial for economic development and Courtesy:https://borgenprojectorg/improving-energy-in-africa/

Cpoverty alleviation worldwide Sadly, despite advancements in this sector, millions still lack this essential resource, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

According to the Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 in the SSA region alone, over 599 8 million individuals live without electricity compared to an overall figure of 760 million globally, showcasing a dire need for sustainable solutions

The reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation is prevalent in many developing economies, perpetuates dependency (energy insecurity) and adds to environmental degradation However, the abundant solar energy resources in Africa present a transformative opportunity for rural electrification, particularly towards fostering economic independence and sustainability

The World Bank Group reported in 2021 that only 33% of the rural areas of Eastern & Southern Africa (AFE) countries have access to electricity, and therefore, solar energy emerges as a beacon of hope Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy offers a decentralized, environmentally friendly solution that doesn't rely on costly imports or centralized infrastructure.

Moreover, electrifying rural areas with solar power doesn't just illuminate homes, it illuminates futures It enables economic activities, improves healthcare and education, reduces gender disparities, bolsters agricultural productivity, and creates employment opportunities. The adoption of solar energy is not just about powering homes; it's about empowering communities

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Success Stories: Transformative Impacts of Solar Electrification

Case studies from initiatives like the Ghana Energy and Development Access Project (GEDAP) and the Tanzania Rural Electrification Expansion Program (TREEP) exemplify the transformative power of solar energy These projects, leveraging off-grid solar solutions, have brought electricity to thousands, catalysing economic growth, and improving livelihoods

GEDAP's pilot mini grids, powered by solar energy, have empowered over 10,000 beneficiaries, enabling fishermen to enhance their livelihoods through improved access to electricity Similarly, TREEP's diverse renewable energy initiatives have spurred economic opportunities, improved education, and reduced costs for rural communities in Tanzania

To ensure the widespread adoption of solar energy in rural areas, the Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) underscored that flexible policy frameworks tailored to local needs are imperative Integration with existing rural industries, such as forestry and manufacturing, can further amplify the socio-economic benefits of solar electrification. Collective action and stakeholder involvement are crucial for fostering sustainable growth and maximizing the potential of renewable energy in rural development

In conclusion, solar energy holds the key to unlocking

rural independence and prosperity in Africa. By harnessing this abundant resource, communities can break free from energy poverty, drive economic development, and chart a sustainable future for generations to come. It's time to embrace the power of thesunandilluminatethepath towardsruralempowermentandself-reliance.

As always, the conversations continue at: esa@rdjpubishing.africa .

Readings:

https://www.iea.org/commentaries/access-to-electricity-improvesslightly-in-2023-but-still-far-from-the-pace-needed-to-meet-sdg7

https://www worldbank org/en/news/feature/2020/08/13/lightingup-africa-bringing-renewable-off-grid-energy-to-communities

https://thedocs worldbank org/en/doc/b85c667c7fa4cd060918a2e d3d01aab8-0360012022/original/WB-Regions pdf

https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2023/11/21/transforminglives-through-energy-access-afe-1123-in-eastern-and-southernafrica

https://www.afdb.org/en/the-high-5/light-up-and-power-africa%E2%80%93-a-new-deal-on-energy-for-africa

https://fastercapital com/topics/solar-power-and-energyindependence-for-communities.html

https://arka360 com/ros/solar-energy-off-grid-powering/ www oecd org/regional/regional-policy/Renewable-rural-energysummary.pdf

https://www worldbank org/en/news/press-

release/2023/11/28/100-million-people-in-afe-eastern-andsouthern-africa-poised-to-receive-access-to-sustainable-andclean-energy-by-2030

https://unstats un org/sdgs/report/2023/Goal-07/

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Courtesy: gendercgiarorg

W A T E R

Drinking Water Quality: “Boil and Drink”?

Is boiling water sufficient to ensure its quality and safety for drinking? Well, this is the most common and fastest practice for rural area’s households from

ancient time, till today Now, whether this practice which has proven to be sustainable, can be trusted or not, we will dive into that shortly, but let's first take a step back and briefly look into other common practices of water purification for rural areas.

For water purification, many rural communities prefer to use simple and cost-effective methods due to limited resources and infrastructure Such common methods utilized mainly at households’ level to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water in such areas include:

Filtration - This involves passing water through a porous material to remove physical impurities and contaminants Common filtration methods include cloth, sand and ceramic filtration

Chemical Disinfection - this entails adding chemicals to water to kill or inactivate microorganisms Common

chemical disinfectants used in rural areas include chlorine, iodine and hydrogen peroxide

Solar Disinfection (SODIS) - this process requires exposing water to sunlight in transparent containers for several hours. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun kills or inactivates microorganisms present in the water, making it safe to drink. SODIS is a simple and low-cost method suitable for rural areas with adequate sunlight

There are a few other methods used to purify water in rural communities, however as mentioned earlier, the most common among them is Boiling Water. Despite having historical roots and being documented as far back as ancient times, this method remains widely used today due to its simplicity, accessibility, and relatively low cost The process requires only a heat source, such as a stove or fire, and a pot or container to boil the water in Boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) is generally sufficient to make it safe to drink.

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Waterboilingonfire Courtesy:Slatan

A

e viruses, and parasites, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery This method is particularly effective against common waterborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium

But is boiling enough to ensure complete safety of water consumed?

Sadly, as much as many may think completely is ensured, further research indicates otherwise While boiling is effective against many microbial contaminants, it may not remove chemical contaminants, heavy metals, or pollutants that are not affected by heat. In addition to this, boiling may concentrate certain contaminants if the water is not properly filtered before boiling Therefore, the suitability of boiling as a sole method of water treatment depends on the specific contaminants present in the water source

In fact, the quality of water from different sources can vary significantly, with some sources naturally containing fewer contaminants than others For example, groundwater from deep wells may be relatively free from surface contaminants but could still contain naturally occurring minerals or chemicals that may require additional treatment. Conversely, water from surface sources such as rivers, lakes, or canals may be more susceptible to contamination from runoff, sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural chemicals

Interestingly, this is not only an issue in rural areas Urban areas are not exempt from impacts of poorly treated potable water A good example of this is the case of Zambia. In January this year (2024), the Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urged people to relocate from towns to villages following the deaths of about 300 people in a cholera outbreak caused by poor sanitation in some densely populated urban areas Reports attribute the spread to contaminated water, and indicate a case of over eight thousand cholera cases recorded since October

2023 spread across eight of Zambia's 10 provinces, which ledtothedelayinreopeningofschoolsthisyear

Another victim of this is Zimbabwe, who for months now has also been battling to stem the spread of cholera due tothelackofcleanwaterinthecountry

It is therefore important to note that while boiling water has proven to be a timeless, less costly, more safe and suitable method for drinking water in many rural settings, itmaynotfullyaddressunderlyingissuesrelatedtowater quality and sanitation Therefore, in areas where waterborne diseases are prevalent or where the quality of the water is questionable, boiling should be complemented with other water treatment methods such as filtration, chlorination, or UV disinfection to ensure comprehensive protection against a wide range of contaminants.

So,thenexttimeyoudecideto“boilanddrink”untreated water obtained from any surface or underground source, you need to ensure that you also have adequate filtering equipment to remove all contaminants before boiling, taking into consideration the source of that water. Otherwise, do stop and reflect about the potentially existing chemical contaminants, heavy metals, or pollutants in the water source that are not affected by heat Remember that “improving access to water, sanitationandhygienecansave1 4millionlivesperyear” (WorldHealthOrganisation)

What other effective methods do you know of being sustainable and effective for rural communities in Africa? Let'sdiscussat esa@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings:

https://www bbc com/news/world-africa-67931876

https://www.who.int/news/item/28-06-2023-improving-access-towater--sanitation-and-hygiene-can-save-1 4-million-lives-peryear--says-new-whorepohttps://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/home-watertreatment/household water treatment htmlrt

https://www epa gov/ground-water-and-drinkingwater/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water

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15 MARCH, 2024
Courtesy:wwwjojocoza

A G R I C U L T U R E

Quantifying Agriculture’s Thirst

Agriculture entails growing crops and raising animals for human sustenance leading to economic activities, however, this comes at a

significant cost from “water” demand and necessity Water is a critical input to life and for agricultural production and plays an important role in food security. According to the World Bank (WB), irrigated agriculture represents 20% of the total cultivated land and contributes 40% of the total food produced worldwide “Irrigated agriculture is, on average, at least twice as productive per unit of land as rainfed agriculture, thereby allowing for more production intensification and crop diversification” reported the World Bank.

Agriculture utilizes vast quantities for irrigation, livestock production, and various farming activities The exact amount of water used in agriculture varies by region, climate, crop type, and farming practices However, both the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the OECD agree that irrigated agriculture accounts for 70% of total freshwater withdrawals worldwide and over 40% in many OECD countries, making it the primary sector responsible for water consumption.

Due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change, competition for water resources is expected to increase, with a particular impact on agriculture

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IrrigationCourtesy:Canva

Population is expected to increase to over 10 billion by 2050, and whether urban or rural, this population will need food and fiber to meet its basic needs. Combined with the increased consumption of calories and more complex foods, which accompanies income growth in the developing world, it is estimated that agricultural production will need to expand by approximately 70% by 2050

As pointed out, the amount of water used in agriculture can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of crop grown, climatic conditions, the efficiency of irrigation systems, and local water availability For example, water-intensive crops like rice and cotton typically require more irrigation than other crops

Let us look at some examples in Africa, comparing one extreme to another.

Ethiopia - This is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa, receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,000 mm over the south-western highlands and less than 300 mm over the south-eastern and northeastern lowlands according to the World Bank. Temperatures across Ethiopia can range on average from –15°C over the highlands, to above 25°C in the lowlands.

The country’s agriculture sector is an essential driver of economic growth accounting for 40% of the gross domestic product (GDP), while only using approximately 5% of the total water withdrawals for irrigation in the country due to the significant amounts of rainfall the country receives per year according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy. In fact, smallholder farmers primarily practice rainfed agriculture, but irrigation schemes such as those along the Awash River contribute to water consumption in agriculture

Egypt - Moving on to the other extreme is Egypt - a dry, hot country, dominated by desert Located in the northeastern corner of Africa, Egypt is said to receive less than 80 millimeters of precipitation annually in most areas. Most rain falls along the coast, but even the wettest area, around Alexandria, is reported to receive only about 200 millimeters of precipitation per year, while dry areas like Cairo receives a little more than 10 millimeters of precipitation each year according to the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Because of this limitation, agriculture contributes roughly 11.3% to the country's GDP.

These examples do affirm that agriculture consumes large volumes of water, and at the same time if well developed, this sector plays an important role in sustaining livelihoods, while at the same time boosting economies. Therefore, improving water efficiency in agriculture, such as the adoption of drip irrigation, precision farming techniques, and water-saving technologies, are essential for mitigating the water consumption of the agricultural sector while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability

As always, the conversation continues esa@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings:

https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/countr y/egypt/climate-data-historical

https://www worldbank org/en/topic/water-inagriculture

https://www unwater org/water-facts

17 MARCH, 2024
CenterpivotcropirrigationCourtesy:GettyImages

T R A N S P O R T A N D M O B I L I T Y

Electric Mobility: Benefits for rural Africa

Awithin14kilometers

within47kilometers

frica’s population is primarily rural and rural transport is considered an enabler that allows these rural communities to interact in the wider

morethan100kilometers

creating higher cost of operation and resultant tariffs. These higher operating costs either drive away investments or increases poverty possibility for these communities.

Looking at the matter from a fuel perspective, in a similar mannertothelackofinfrastructure,thereisalsoalackof fuelling or refuelling facilities Fuel suppliers will invariably charge more for fuel supplies and based on utilisation rates, economy of scale drives prices upwards the further away from urban centres that the fuel is required Therefore, petrol and diesel supplies will need to be transported to delivery points and stored until required This leads in most cases to erratic supplies or non-availabilityoffuelscreatingitsownchallenges economic activities This can occur through simpler actions such as just allowing rural residents to visit health facilities or more economically advanced, through transport of goods such as produce to markets and customers. Thus, transport allows access to services that in a rural setting are precious due to their unavailability or scarcity component.

Infrastructure in rural communities of developing countries thus are generally in need of upgrades or even more astute, totally absent This impacts rural transport systems as it increases wear and tear on vehicles,

www.rdjpublishing.africa MARCH, 2024 18
ShareofruralpopulationbydistancetotheclosestcityinAfricaasof2019 Courtesy:Statista
0 20 40 60 80 100 50% S h a r e o f r u r a l p o p u l a t i o n
90% 1.5%

Rural transport is composed differently from urbanized transport systems due in part to the infrastructure available and its conditions, noting that these also change with the seasons, being muddy and in some cases impassable during the rainy season Another factor for consideration is that rural transport generally has a higher level of individual ownership and very limited public transport options as well as emergency vehicles (excluding Fire). This makes sense as public transport has the feature of being scheduled, focusing on peak travel times such as with buses and also affects fuelling arrangements

Enter e-mobility

When research is considered on rural transport, the type of fuel is generally NOT a consideration We feel this is a mistake as in the era of sustainable development and climate change, alternative fuel needs consideration It is well accepted that many countries provide fuel subsidies and in other cases have set up subsidised fuelling points/depots to increase access and so e-mobility could be a solution.

While electricity is also a challenge for rural communities, the advent of renewable energies provides new opportunities for energy security and self-sufficiency for these communities and e-mobility (EVs) is one of those alternatives. Electricity offers the ability to stabilise transport costs from a fuel perspective especially in light of fossil fuel pricing volatility

An example of this, is captured by the Siemens WeTu emobility approach that seeks to support the daily use of electric vehicles in rural settings This testing includes the roll out of charging stations supported by the Global LEAP Fund and other partners such as USAID and DFID. The

model includes the rental of batteries, issued at charging stations It is also not unheard of for rural communities that struggle with transport issues while already being electrified showing that e-mobility could play the role of aproductiveusemeasure

One of the constraints of EV’s is the issue of range being currently limited dependent on vehicle type and manufacturer specification, ranging from 100 km (60 miles) to around 450 km (300 miles) If the Statista data findings are taken into account, a round trip or more using EVs could be achieved for more than 90% of Africa’s rural populations. This would amount to transport and fuel access for some 600 – 700 million people in Africa. Canweaffordnottoconsiderthis?

I guess you understand by now that the RDJ Group has fully embraced the pros and cons of electric mobility (emobility / EV) and share the view of the World Bank that EVs cannot single-handedly solve all transport challenges in developing countries but as our teacher’s always say (the good ones that is), “there is always more to learn or discuss” As always, the conversations continue esa@rdjpubishing.africa

Readings:

https://www ruralhealthinfo org/toolkits/transportation/1/use-inrural

https://www ilo org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed emp/--emp policy/---invest/documents/publication/wcms asist 6890.pdf

https://www unescap org/sites/default/d8files/bulletin71 Article3 pdf

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/developing-countries-emobility-revolution-closer-you-might-think

https://www siemens-stiftung org/en/projects/wetu/wemobility/

https://www.ssatp.org/publication/provision-rural-transportservices

https://www gtkp com/themepage/gtkp-archives/ruraltransport/rural-transport-overview/

www.rdjpublishing.africa 19 MARCH, 2024
Courtesy:energy-baseorg

Rural Development: Flying Straight Up!

Watching sci-fi movies makes our current realities seem like movies are lifelike and overtaking our imaginations. However, our imagination is exactly what others have used to create the reality such as has been developed by the likes of Lilium (www lilium com) who have developed an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions.

Electric propulsion as the main source of power for aviation is not novel with electric motors having been invented in the 1830’s but has shown great promise in recent times Focus is currently on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platforms, other

small passenger and cargo aircraft With a push on the need for sustainable development and transport systems, the use of alternative fuel for transport such as air travel is a much-welcomed development.

From another angle, Airbus (www airbus com) who also have an all-electric propulsion vehicle, has put forward a hybrid approach that allows decarbonization through reduction of the overall carbon energy levels of operation giving “low-carbon flight. Breaking down the phases of flight, their approach uses electrical sources to provide full or partial power for taxiing out to the take-off runway, take-off, descent and taxiing into the gates, this provides as they call it, optimisation of efficiency

www.rdjpublishing.africa
ElectricalVerticalTakeoff Courtesy:Lilium https://liliumcom/
MARCH, 2024 20

In Africa, moves are progressing towards electric aviation that is motivated not only by climate change mitigation but also by operational cost saving benefits. In East Africa, Safarilink and Yellow Wings Air Services, are looking to convert existing aircraft to hybrid and allelectric aircrafts that could give it a potential cost saving of up to 50 percent on operational costs This is to be complemented with new aircraft that would be welcome news not only for the operators and the industry, but also for the pricing seen by customers.

An added benefit that could accrue is the creation of new short haul flights especially in areas that if fossil fuels are used, refuelling could have been a logistical issue Studies by others show from a case study, that connectivity in Southern Africa would increase productivity and is “a real possibility”.

One immediate benefit of this change would ease of access to other centres, providing for health professionals, reduction on the need for rural urban migration and many more such benefits However, make no mistake, several other changes in the way airport operations are conducted in the respective countries need to take place so that rural commuters get the benefits that electric aviation could contribute to

improvingandalsofast-trackingdevelopment.

Such changes would include, availability of appropriate aircraft, willing operators of both aircraft (airlines) and airports (aerodromes), energy for re-charging and realistic but firm regulations and policies Training of aviation personnel will also be an element, not only from a piloting approach but also from the angle of facility managementandcommunityengagementtoincrease acceptance and utilisation These can be driven by government in collaboration with the likes of the ICAO etc as well as to attract early-stage investors in joint action

As always, the conversation continues esa@rdjpublishishing africa

Readings:

www lilium com

https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/low-carbonaviation/hybrid-and-electric-flight NACO Report e-flight in Africa - Sept 2022 pdf

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-0104/african-airlines-commit-surf-airs-electric-caravan

https://aerospace honeywell com/us/en/about-us/blogs/electricaircraft-propulsion-how-it-works

www.rdjpublishing.africa

21 MARCH, 2024

T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Bridging the Gap: 5G Networks and Access in African Rural Areas

Since its introduction or one can say, creation, 5G technology has been heralded as the next frontier in wireless communication, promising unparalleled

speeds, reliability, and connectivity. However, while much of the world races ahead with 5G adoption, Africa, particularly its rural areas, still grapples with challenges in accessing what is now standard technology such as 3G, 4G or LTE As the continent seeks to bridge the digital divide therefore, the integration of 5G networks into rural communities emerges as a crucial step towards inclusive development and economic empowerment.

In Namibia, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) defines 5G as the fifth generation of wireless communication technologies, succeeding 2G, 3G, and 4G With its super-fast download speeds, minimal latency, and capacity to connect a multitude of devices, 5G represents a quantum leap in connectivity capabilities. According to GSMA, it offers a 10–100× increase in data rates, a 10× decrease in latency, and a 1,000× increase in mobile data volumes compared to 4G

MARCH, 2024 22
www.rdjpublishing.africa
Courtesy:https://wwwnexatbe/case-studies/e-learning-in-africa

Globally, 5G adoption has surpassed previous generations, with expectations to reach 2 billion connections by 2025 However, in Africa, widespread readiness for 5G in the mass market remains a distant goal due to various market readiness challenges Despite this, pioneering efforts by companies like Vodacom and MTN have seen the launch of 5G networks in several African countries, laying the foundation for broader adoption.

The rural-urban digital divide based on various challenges persist as a significant obstacle to equitable access to 5G in Africa While urban centres enjoy the benefits of 5G connectivity, rural areas lag behind due to infrastructural limitations and the high cost of deployment. Limited spectrum availability, particularly in low-band frequencies suitable for rural areas, further exacerbates the challenge

To address the disparity, telecom operators are exploring targeted deployment strategies tailored to rural environments. Initiatives in countries like Namibia and Nigeria to allocate low-band frequencies for mobile use demonstrate a commitment to extending 5G access to underserved regions

As Africa navigates its 5G journey, policymakers must prioritize sustainable strategies that ensure equitable

access across all regions. By leveraging low-band spectrum and innovative deployment approaches, such as mmWave Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks, rural communities can reap the benefits of 5G connectivity By doing so, Africa can harness the transformative power of 5G to drive inclusive growth and prosperity for all its citizens

In conclusion, 5G networks represent a pivotal opportunity for Africa to leapfrog into the digital age. By extending connectivity to rural areas, the continent can unlock new avenues for development and empower its communities to thrive in the digital era As Africa charts its course towards a connected future, bridging the ruralurban divide in 5G access stands as a cornerstone of its journey towards prosperity and inclusivity.

Readings:

https://www.cran.na/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMT2020-5G-Strategy-2022-for-final-approval 310822 pdf

https://event-assets gsma com/pdf/5G-in-Africa pdf

https://www gsma com/subsaharanafrica/resources/re alising-the-potential-of-5g-in-africa

https://www techafricanews com/2023/08/18/closingafricas-rural-urban-5g-divide-with-low-band-spectrumexpansion/

https://airtel.africa/#/pages/media?tab=press releases

www.rdjpublishing.africa 23 MARCH, 2024
Courtesy:RDJPublishing

IMy Energy Life Series

Energy For Good: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Solutions

Interview with Ms. Amina Ali

contributed by:

n this episode, we meet Amina Ali, a Group Project Coordinatorwith Ener-G-Africa Aminasharesherstoryofhow shegotstartedintheenergyindustry,detailingherinitial

challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionalsseekingtheirpathinthisdynamicindustry

Tellusaboutyourjourneyintheenergyindustry.

Myfirstjobintheenergyspacewasbychance.Chancehappened tomeandItookthebatonandranwithit.Itookonafellowship roletojustgetafeelofwhattheenergyspaceisabout.Ihaditin mind that I would be there for a few months and move into the spacethatIqualifiedtobein.LittledidIknowthatIwasnotjust visitingbuterectinganentirestructuretosettleinthisspaceand make impact. I remember reading up on everything to do with energy all day for 6 months. I read every article, signed up for differentnewsletters,readdifferentoutlooks,watchedthenews, younameit,Iwasonit.

Atthesametime,IwouldpostthricedailyonmyLinkedInabout different updates that I would constantly come across in the energy space I would like to think that is what set me apart, makingitlooklikeIwasanexpertinwhatIwasdoing,whichwas not the case I come from a legal background, so constructing thoughtfulandinteractiveopinionswassecondnature Italljust worked together - and definitely for my good Nothing was intentional, but chance, chance happened to me, and I am grateful I think what ties in so well is a quote that I once came across– “sometimes on the way to our dreams, we get lost and find a new one”

Whatdoyoudoinyourcurrentroleatyour company?

Iamtheprojectcoordinator Wehaveacoupleofprojectsthatwe do, and I coordinate accordingly We have multiple projects that we carry out The main one is the Rocket Stove implementation acrossSubSaharanAfrica

We have people who work on the ground - who go out door to doorinvillagesacrossdifferentcountriestoimplementthestove

My typical day at work would be following up how many stoves have been implemented, finding new areas to expand to - going outintothefieldandintroducingourworkifwearegoingintoa newenvironmentandlaterfollowingupwithbeneficiariesofthe stoveonhowefficientthestovehasbeenandifpartshavegone missing either by misplacement or natural disaster then we are abletoreplacethem

Couldyoudescribeyourtypicaldayatwork?

Those closest to me, well, even if you get to spend a few hours withme,youwillgettoknowmyloveforGod.So,IamMuslim, wepray5timesaday,somydayisstructuredaroundprayeras opposed to the other way around. A typical Tuesday would be waking up at 04:00 AM for prayers until 06:00 (praying, reading Quran, learning about my religion), get ready for work. During lunch break I pray and get back to work after that. If it is a summer’sdayinCT,Iwouldmosttimesendthedaywithmeeting a friend and going to watch the sunset. I swim as part of my exercise routine so I meet my coach at 19:00 PM. I would get home,cook,eat,readabook,journal,catchupwithsomemore news,prayandthenofftosleep.

MARCH, 2024 24

Thisisofcoursewhatmyidealdaywouldlooklike,butlifealways shootssomethinginbetweenwhichIwouldatmosttimestackle after work And if you are looking for me on a weekend, I am outdoors, doing something and everything It is the most unpredictable It ranges from assisting with incidents that could haveoccurred-topaperworkthatinvolvestheabovetomeetings - extending to attending launches as per invites by prominent leadersorattendingtowherevermycapacitycanbeextendedto

"Sometimesonthewaytoourdreams,wegetlostand findanewone”.

Whataresomeofthechallengesyouhavefaced intheindustry?

Iloveagoodchallenge Itleavesmenochoicebuttostretchand grow But if you insist, it will have to be the language barrier at times Conveyingthestoryandprojectplantoacommunitythat does not understand English can be very challenging, but each stepbuildsablock,andwegetpassit.

Whatisthemostfunthingyouloveaboutyour work?

Interactingwithpeopleyouwouldnotnecessarilygettomeetin your life. You sit down under a tree in a village that is in the middleofnowhere,andjusthavepeoplepourthe you as you do to them. It is both humbling and f sametime.

Howdoyoubalanceworkandl

I balance it out with intention Being intentional upateitherworkorlifedependingonhowmucht fromyou Ibelievemylifehasbroughtmetomyw sureIpourintomylife,soitinfiltratesintomywork

Whatarethecorehardskillssomeon fieldshouldhave?

I would say computer skills/programming. That every other job out there. Everything else is measurableonceyouareinthespace.

Whatsoftskillsshouldsomeoneiny have?

Adaptability The energy space is moving at a rapid pace and one's success will be measured by the ability to be able to flow withit

25 MARCH, 2024
AminawithmembersofalocalcommunityinMalawi
AminaatthebuildingofarocketstoveinavillageinMalawiusingbrickmoles,waterandmud.

Whatisthebestthingaboutyourwork?

I am a humanitarian at heart, and my job solely promotes the essenceofhumanitarianism SoIgettowalkinmypurposeand getpaidforit It'sawin-win

Whatwouldyouconsiderahighlightofyour career?

Making it on the 2022 Powerlist: Top 50 Pan-African Female LeadersinEnergy Stillhumblesme

Whatareyoupassionateaboutoutsideofwork?

Uplifting communities My focus is on young boys and girls I volunteeronmostweekends,butIfindmyjoyinchangingalife for the better I share all opportunities that I come across with those that I know wouldn't necessarily ever stand in front of them ThatishowIliveandleavemylittlepocketsofimpact

Howdoyouthinkthatyourworkmakesa differenceintheenergyspace?

Thestovesdistributedby Ener-G-Africa requirelesswood,and,in some instances, alternative fuels like corn cobs, pine cones, and twigs can replace traditional firewood. This not only reduces smoke emissions but also enhances safety compared to the conventionalthree-stonefire.InmanyruralSub-SaharanAfrican communities, women typically inhale harmful pollutants from wood,dung,andstablefuelwhilecooking.

AminaonanoutreachwiththeAfricaMuslimAgency

Byadoptingthesestoves,womensignificantlydecreasetheirrisk of respiratory infections and lung cancer Moreover, the positive impact extends to the daily lives of young girls who, in the past, hadtoforgoschooltoassisttheirmothersincollectingfirewood Now,withreducedtimespentinthehazardoustaskofgathering firewood,thesegirlshavetheopportunitytoattendschool

"Knowwhatyouwantwhenyouareenteringthespace."

While it's challenging to quantify the exact impact, the hope is that these stoves make at least one family's life significantly easier The reduction in time spent collecting firewood and inhaling smoke over a fire contributes to a healthier and safer environment.Additionally,there'stheaspirationthatayounggirl witnessing the positive changes brought by these stoves is inspired, growing up with the determination to become a worldchangerbyhelpingothers.

Whatadvicedoyouhaveforsomeonenewtothe industry?

Knowwhatyouwantwhenyouareenteringthespace.ButIthink that having a defined purpose applies to any domain. Let your vision guide you, armed with these powerful tools, and trust in yourintelligencetowieldthemeffectively.

If you enjoyed reading this, do not hesitate to follow theenergy.africa

Seeyouinthenextarticle!

AminawithmembersofalocAminawithguestsatthe Ener-G-AfricaPlant.communityinMalawi
MARCH, 2024 26

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY

LANDSCAPE

About Us Our Services:

RDJ Consulting is a 100% Namibian Energy and Sustainability Consultancy with more than 30 years’ experience in the utility (Water, Energy and Telecoms), rural development and transport sectors Our experience as an integrated professional services firm that builds better communities through planning, design, and delivery of physical and social infrastructure helps support our clients in all aspects going forward.

We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to develop customized, unique strategies

RDJ Consulting based in Windhoek, Namibia has extensive experience in Southern Africa, Asia, Britain, USA and the Caribbean We thus work with various governments and agencies to address development issues in developing countries.

Advisory Services Market Data & Studies
info@rdjconsulting co za TEL: +264 81 750 3002 www rdjconsulting co za Contact us
Due Diligence Training

YOUTH IN ACTION

Championing Sustainable Rural Development:

The Inspiring Journey of Ms. Nondumiso Ngwenya

Intherealmofsustainabledevelopment,fewendeavorsare as crucial and impactful as rural development It is a multifacetedprocessthataddressestheuniquechallenges

faced by rural communities, aiming to improve their quality of life while preserving the environment for future generations. At the forefrontofthismovementisMs.NondumisoNgwenya,adedicated advocate for United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),withastrongemphasisonSDG4:QualityEducation.

Personal

Ms Nondumiso Ngwenya is a third-year Social Work studentattheUniversityofNamibiaandcurrently(2024) holds the position of Student Representative Council (SRC)forCommunityDevelopment&GenderAffairsatthe MainCampus Sheisalsothefounderandchairpersonof the Dev-Implement Society, dedicated to promoting awarenessoftheUN's17SustainableDevelopmentGoals (SDGs) and facilitating faculty engagement with these objectives

Ms Ngwenya has actively contributed to workshops focused on Transforming Education systems in Namibia as part of the project planning committee She has also provided training on SDGs and personal development to various youth-led organizations, showcasing her commitment to empowering others In her volunteer capacity, Ms Ngwenya has lent her time and skills to organizations such as the Windhoek Rotaract Club, embodying their ethos of "service above self" Additionally, she has served as a Student Electoral CommissionerduringtheSRCelectionsof2022-2023.

AdistinguishedalumnaoftheAfricanPathfindersLeaders Initiative (APLI) and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ms. Ngwenya has demonstrated exceptional leadershipanddedicationtocommunitydevelopment.In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored as part of the Global 100 under 40 by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in March 2024, under the category of activism and humanitarianism.

investing in education outside the classroom and through diversifying the types of educators would also lead to broader socio-economic development in rural communities
-Ms. Nondumiso Ngwenya
MARCH, 2024 28

WhatinspiredyoutobecomeanadvocateforSustainable DevelopmentGoals?

Ms Ngwenya said “When considering my career path postgraduation, I found myself drawn to the United Nations due to its unwavering dedication to improving people's well-being, a cause close to my heart As I delved into the UN's work, I discovered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and began studying them to grasp their significance This exploration revealed how the organizations I volunteered for were actively advancing the SDGs Realizing the profound impact of these goals, I felt compelled to engage more youth in understanding and supporting them Recognizing that achieving the SDGs could address numerous social issues, I saw advocating for them as a powerful way to contribute to community well-being. Additionally, being inspired by figures like Varaidzo “Vee” Kativhu, a UN SDGs Young Leader, motivated me to leave my own mark in advancing these goals, particularly in Africa.”

2. How can advocacy play a role in raising awareness and mobilizingsupportforRuraldevelopmentinitiatives?

Ms. Ngwenya highlighted the significance of advocacy through research and social media in promoting rural development initiatives. “Social media advocacy raises awareness in individuals, even and especially, outside these rural communities and once they are aware of what is happening in these communities they may offer support to these communities e g , as a form of charity, of projects etc Through the research element of advocacy, organizations and individuals gain bargaining power and factual information to present to decision-makers who can then see from the numbers and data presented that there is a need for efforts to be focused on the development of these rural communities For example, organizations such as the Namibian National Students Organization conduct research on schools and identify challenges being experienced by these learners while also engaging student leaders in the communities in order to be able to gain support from relevant offices such as the Ministry of Education and guide them on the specific issues that need addressing ”

3.Inwhatwaysdoyoubelieveinvestingineducationcanlead to broader socio-economic development in rural communities?

Ms Ngwenyabelievesthatinvestingineducationcanbeachieved through a number of ways including increasing the funding in order for there to be decent infrastructure and the required material for studies in rural communities (ie, ensuring the buildings are not close to “dilapidated,” and that buildings for learnersactuallyexisttoavoidlearnersstudyingundertreeswith no chairs. As well as ensuring these learners have relevant material such as textbooks and such). “Once investments to education are made in this way and such disruptions to learners’ education are removed, learners will have an increased chance to

1
As advocates, it is very crucial to personalize our efforts with each group we are advocating to, for maximum efficiency.
-Ms Nondumiso Ngwenya

complete their studies effectively Upon completion of their studies, they may begin to work and use their earnings in their community These educated, skilled and equipped individuals also have an open mind and may execute projects that develop their community or be key contributors as part of the workforce ”

Additionally, “investing in education outside the classroom and through diversifying the types of educators would also lead to broader socio-economic development in rural communities. For example, the investment in career fairs outside the classroom, field trips to urban communities through the schools, and the introduction of life-skills teachers and educational psychologists also allows the learners of these rural communities to seriously consider furthering their studies and to explore more career options which once they venture into allow them to better contribute to their communities developing socio-economically as they invest in their communities again. Investing in education also allows for a shift to take place in the minds of the learners in these rural communities and in the minds of their families”. Ms.Ngwenya responded.

4.Whatpolicychangesorgovernmentalinterventionsdoyou recommend prioritizing education as a cornerstone of rural developmentagendas?

“The key governmental interventions that should be prioritized in education for the development of rural communities include the provision of funds for the building or improvement of schools and learning materials Interventions surrounding what takes place outside the schools, but in relation to education should also take priority for rural development agendas This includes feeding programmes for learners as well as adult literacy programmes On an empty stomach, education becomes religious, as though the learners are simply there to attend classes and leave, however when the learners are well fed and healthy they engage more and are more likely to explore ideas that are beneficial to the development of their rural communities Literacy programmes also ensure that family members are better equipped to assist learners with their schoolwork and be more receptive and encouraging of any innovative ideas that learners come up with ” Ms Ngwenya replied

5.Lastly,whatadvicewouldyouoffertofellowadvocatesand policymakers?

“As advocates, it is very crucial to personalize our efforts with each group we are advocating to, for maximum efficiency. It is not effective to raise all the targets and indicators to simple youth/laymen who have no interest in the SDGs at all, let alone have no interest in contributing towards them. Similarly, it is also ineffective to raise vague statements to decision-makers and other policymakers who instead require evidence-based, researched and data-rich information on these SDGs as opposed to the simplified statements that would be more understandable to the simple youth”. Ms.Ngwenyaconcludes.

MARCH, 2024 30

TENDERS

Welthungerhilfe Ethiopia

Description: : ETH1234/0023/2024 - Invitation for Consultancy of Baseline Survey

Bid Closing Date: 08 Apr 2024 at 09:00:00 CET

https://eu.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/397517/0/0?returnUrl=transactions.asp&b=WELTHUNGERHILFE

Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater)

Description: Supply and Delivery of Submersible Pump-sets complete with Cables for the Tsumkwe Drought Relief

Project and Aroab Extension and Upgrade

Bid Closing Date: 11 Apr 2024 at 11h00 Namibian Time

https://www namwater com na/index php/quotations/22-procurement/737-submersible-pump-sets-complete-withcables-for-the-tsumkwe-drought-relief-project-and-aroab-extension-and-upgrade

Welthungerhilfe Zimbabwe

Description: ZWE1181-2673-24-2 - Solar Powered Piped Water Schemes Shamva District

Bid Closing Date: : 17 Apr 2024 at 17:00:00 CET

https://eu eu-supply com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/397527/0/0?returnUrl=transactions asp&b=WELTHUNGERHILFE

Swellendam Municipality – South Africa

Description: Upgrade Of Rietkuil Water Supply And Related Infrastructure

Bid Closing Date: 19 Apr 2024 at 11h00 South African Time

https://www swellendam gov za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SMT45-23-24 Advert pdf

Namibia Airports Company

Description: Provision Of Travel Management Services For NAC For A Period Of Three (3) Years

Bid Closing Date: 29 April 2024

https://www.airports.com.na/files/files/Travel%20Agent%20Bid.pdf

Department of Minerals Resources and Energy - South Africa

Description: Seventh Bid Submission Phase (Bid Window 7) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers

Procurement Programme (REIPPPP)

Bid Closing Date: 30 April 2024 at 11h00 AM South African Time

https://www dmr gov za/Portals/0/adam/Simple%20ParentChild%20with%202%20pages/tZXLt3U8j0iPrM8qKWZdLA/DocMulti/REIPPPP%20BW%207%20RFP%20Advert%2014%2012% 202023.pdf

Ministry of Works and Transport - Namibia

Description: TIIP Phase II: Section 1 Upgrading of Railway Line Between Kranzberg and Otjiwarongo -Supply of 48kg/m Rails and Turnouts

Bid Closing date: 03 May 2024

https://mwt.gov.na/documents/2671063/2786045/TIIP+Phase+II RP01++Supply+of+Rails+and+Turnouts

SPN Final 02.02.2024.pdf/74c5bf6a-c717-6c23-9552-14a5ba7d6b38?t=1707833130942 MARCH, 2024 32

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