Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest challenges faced by the world today. Adverse impacts of climate change are visible across sectors like agriculture and other natural resources due to increasing average temperature and changing weather patterns. Africa constitutes around 13% of the global population but contributes the least (around 2%) to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Concerning the global climate vulnerability index, Africa is most impacted (around 21%) by climate change and its’ population is most vulnerable to climate sensitivity and fragility of the continent’s natural environment and increasingly erratic weather patterns, low adoption of climate-resilient technologies, and high dependence on environment-based livelihoods. Hence, Africa needs to adopt low carbon and climate-resilient development to address climate-related issues and to have sustainable development. In line with the low carbon/climate-resilient development agenda, 53 countries (except Libya) have submitted Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and have set ambitious targets under NDC and Sustainable Development Goals. A quick analysis of the NDCs and various studies indicates the enormity of the financing needs. According to Climate Invetsment Funds (CFI), Sub-Saharan Africa will require an estimated USD222 billion for climate resilience investments to reach its NDCs. One of the critical stakeholders to play a key role in meeting the financing needs of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) related targets is the private sector. There is around 98% gap in financing for CSA. Even though substantial climate finance potential exists in selected countries for the private sector, there are certain challenges and barriers like financial, policy, lack of awareness, and low provision for climate funding in the national budget.

Wood gasification systems have the potential to contribute to rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents an operational and economic analysis of two wood-based gasification systems (250 kW and 10 kW) installed in Uganda in 2007. Both systems proved their potential to compete economically with diesel-generated electricity when operating close to the rated capacity. At an output of 150 kW running for approximately 12 h/day and 8 kW running for approximately 8 h/day, the systems produced electricity at US$0·18 and 0·34/kWh, respectively. A stable electricity demand close to the rated capacity proved to be a challenge for both systems. Fuelwood costs accounted for approximately US$0·03 kWh for both systems. Recovery of even a small fraction of the excess heat (22%) already resulted in substantial profitability gains for the 250 kW system. Results indicate that replicating successful wood gasification systems stipulates the integration of sustainable fuelwood supply and viable business models.

Power flow in earth return distribution systems typically depends on geographical location and specific earth properties. The planning of such systems has to take into account different operational and safety constraints from conventional distribution systems. This work presents the mathematical modeling and planning of Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) power distribution networks. The SWER load flow is modeled and formulated as an optimization problem. Then by using a heuristic iterative procedure, a planning algorithm is developed for the SWER system. The developed procedure includes optimal feeder routing and overhead conductor selection for both primary and lateral feeders with load growth over several time periods. A 30 node test network extracted from a rural area in Uganda is used to test the algorithm's practical application to give reasonable and consistent results. The model presented can be used in planning SWER networks for areas which have previously not been electrified as well as determining suitable upgrades for existing SWER distribution feeder. The algorithm's mathematical modeling and simulations were done using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS).

The use of the ground as the current return path often presents planning and operational challenges in power distribution networks. This study presents optimization-based models for the optimal selection of conductor sizes in Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) power distribution networks. By using mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP), models are developed for both branch-wise and primary-lateral feeder selections from a discrete set of overhead conductor sizes. The models are based on a mathematical formulation of the SWER line, where the objective function is to minimize fixed and variable costs subject to constraints specific to SWER power flow. Load growth over different time periods is considered. The practical application is tested using a case study extracted from an existing SWER distribution line in Namibia. The results were consistent for different network operating scenarios.

KCERT 2050 is a modelling tool designed to assist in the identification and evaluation of synergies and trade-offs within sectoral decarbonization pathways for Kenya. KCERT 2050 is positioned as a user-friendly and dynamic tool that bridges complex energy systems and emissions models with integrated impact assessment tools, aimed at aiding decision making towards carbon neutrality in both public and private sectors. The tool considers greenhouse gas emissions from various economic sectors and is validated through a collaborative process involving experts from diverse backgrounds. This study uses KCERT 2050 to examine the prospects of achieving a net−zero emissions pathway by 2050. In the baseline scenario, a significant emission trajectory is observed, with the transport sector emerging as the largest contributor. Transitioning to the net−zero pathway reveals substantial reductions across key sectors, such as transport, industry, and land use, driven by strategies including electrification, waste reduction, and afforestation. The sensitivity analysis underscores the potential for emission mitigation through various levers, including land use optimization and the adoption of cleaner transportation modes. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the potential and feasibility of Kenya’s ambitious net−zero emissions target. To attain this goal, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable land use and innovative waste management strategies.