Fuel Accessibility, Affordability and Supply Dynamics in Conflict Areas

The conditions related to or resulting from cooking fuel scarcity in Internally Displsced Persons'camps have an impact on food security, health, environmental protection and, also enhance gender-based violence. There is therefore an urgent need to address this issue. There is is yet any relief agency that has got involved in direct fuel supply, although some are involved in the promotion of tree planting and energy efficiency measures through FES programs. In order to initiate strong and sustainable fuel related programs necessary for fuel security in camps, it is is important that fuel issues be mainstreamed in governments', relief agencies' planning, programs and activities in addition to carrying out good data collection and coordinating system, and diversifying the fuel sources in and around the camps. Donor support, public and private sector involvement should all be mobilized for the creation of a sustainable and vibrant energy supply infrastructure in camps. There is also a need for UN to designate a focal agency, and the host governments a focal department for ensuring consistent funding, designing and coordinating the programs and maximizing programs' effectiveness.

Autorentext

Grace K. Birikadde is an Environmental Audits and Monitoring Officer at the National Environment Management Authority and a lecturer at Uganda Christian University. He holds a Masters of Science in Energy and Environmental Management from Univesity of Twente - Netherlands, and a Masters of Science in Chemistry from University of Mysore-India