Energy in West and Central Africa : issues, problems, and donor activities -- final report

This report presents an overview of the energy situation in 24 West and Central African nations, detailing the disposition of fuelwood, hydroelectric, petroleum, and biomass resources in the region and focusing on a number of key problems facing the energy sector, including (1) inadequate data for energy planning; (2) deforestation and fuelwood shortages; (3) power system inefficiency and unreliability; (4) poor petroleum sector procurement, marketing, and distribution; (5) lack of skilled personnel and adequate institutional frameworks to implement energy policies and programs; (6) inefficiency of energy end use; and (7) inefficient pricing policies. Other sections of the report discuss the energy assistance programs of major bilateral and multilateral donors and make some preliminary recommendations for A.I.D. energy activities. Appendices include a selective bibliography and a summary of country energy assessments.