The forum is an initiative by the European Commission and EU Presidency with the support of France, Germany, Ireland, the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA). Around 500 experts in rural development from all around the world will be attending. Areas in agricultural cooperation which will be discussed include governance, food security and social protection, land issues, ecologically efficient agricultural systems for smallholder farmers, the role of the private sector, rural financing and the civil society in rural development.
March 2, 2011
Modern Energy Services for Modern Agriculture
A Review for Smallholder Farming in Developing Countries
Author: Veronika Utz (veronika.utz@giz.de)Modern agriculture needs modern energy, both are closely linked. For many developing countries agriculture is the dominant sector for the development of the economy. Access to modern and reliable energy services offer smallholder farmers the opportunity to increase their productivity, add value to the products, enter new markets and increase income to improve their livelihoods.
The report highlights the importance of modern energy services, covering renewable and conventional energy supply systems and its related technologies for the whole supply chain from transport energy as a precondition for market access, agricultural production, post-harvest and storing, processing and commercialization of crops. Following the value chain mapping method, each chapter provides an overview about energy requirements, energy sources and selecting suitable and efficient technical options to meet this energy needs. It also touches on the dual role of agriculture as an energy user and an energy producer and points out management models to minimize the risks for farmers by buying energy services on a fee-for-service basis.
The report can be downloaded under
www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/giz2011-en-energy-services-for-modern-agriculture.pdf
Talk-A: Talk Agriculture & Rural Development 