TRAINING FOR AN INFORMAL ENERGY INCOME GENERATION INITIATIVE IN RURAL KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

摘要

In order to encourage the use of more modern energy sources in a rural area in South Africa, an existing group of women (a farmers association) started an energy shop. A formal participative workshop was given but the women were not effective. Fortnightly problem-based training meetings were subsequently held. Issues were identified by the women themselves and solutions were role played. Lessons learned: income is needed during the extended training period and hands on experiences must be immediate and continuous; more start-up capital is required for support items (therefore not recoupable or a mainstream activity), ongoing mentoring rather than short training events seem more effective, more training in pricing and target marketing strategies are needed. Networking with stakeholders is essential. Women’s household demands interfere with the dedication required to run a business and one may need a leader to employ others rather than form a cooperative.