Global Challenges Academy

Utilising Renewable Energy to Improve Livelihoods

Utilising Renewable Energy to Improve Rural Livelihoods

  • Goal 2: Zero Hunger
  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • Partnered with: Dept for International Development DFID, UK; Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA); Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT); Practical Action, UK; Njala University, Sierra Leone; Kwame Nkruma University of Science & Tec; University of Kassel, Germany; Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Pens Food Bank, Ghana; World Neighbors, USA
  • Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 60% of the world population is malnourished and unless serious measures are taken the situation will worsen. Food production is increasing in response but is more dependent on valuable resources, while post-harvest food losses are up to 50% in some countries.

How we are meeting this challenge

  • Bringing together research expertise from multiple universities in Europe and Africa to form a multi-disciplinary collaboration.
  • The project's international engagement will focus on use of renewable energy by integrating technical solutions within a social context to reduce food losses and benefit rural livelihoods.
  • All data and results from the project will be freely accessible and shared with stakeholders.

Who will benefit

Effective renewable energy solutions are needed in African countries. These solutions could play a large role in preventing post-harvest food losses Solar drying for example has many benefits. Not only in affordable energy but in improving livelihoods for rural communities. As the current means of drying, storing, and cooling food crops is inadequate, decentralised and distributed, food processing using renewable energy supply could provide a sustainable solution.

The project led by Professor Tony Roskilly aims to benefit rural communities and SMEs in Africa, governments and policy makers, academia and society. It has high potential to improve food security as well as create income generation for rural communities. The aim is to have local food processing in communities that provides:

  • better food storage
  • easier transportation
  • longer food shelf life
  • reduced seasonal supply effects
  • products with added value

Researchers aim to enhance existing UK-Africa research relationships, build new links with and between African universities/NGOs, and strengthen the competitiveness of the Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

Project team

  • Professor Tony Roskilly
  • Dr Eric Ruto
  • Dept for International Development DFID,United Kingdom
  • Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA)
  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Practical Action, United Kingdom
  • Njala University, Sierra Leone
  • Kwame Nkruma University of Science & Tec
  • University of Kassel, Germany
  • Stellenbosch University, South Africa
  • Pens Food Bank, Ghana
  • World Neighbors, United States

Let's work together

If you're interested in working with us on a future research project, or would like to collaborate, email us today: global.challenges@ncl.ac.uk.