Project assistance completion report : alternative energy (peat) project (695-0103)

Although the Burundi peat industry is still confronted with formidable marketing and technical obstacles to economic viability, the project successfully accomplished its goal and purpose. All targets were met in terms of TA, commodity procurement, marketing, training, construction, research, and bog reclamation. A year after the PACD, ONATOUR appears to be well established and making steady progress. It has good management, an aggressive marketing strategy, and adequate technical support. In addition to streamlining its peat production and sales position, it has developed a small but profitable market in a peat-based fertilizer product and, with donor assistance, is expanding the production of peat briquettes. Peat is now an economically competitive fuel, particularly when compared with petroleum fuels.