Small scale carbon sequestration using solar powered LED Lanterns: A case study in Uganda

Abstract

The quest for reducing GHG emissions has got a great deal of opportunities in Africa. From the energy forests, short rotation coppice, to reducing paraffin use for lighting purposes we find a wide field of initiatives with the power to greatly impact climate change and global warming. The present study is one of the said initiatives. In Uganda 7 out of 10 people use paraffin for lighting. It is not surprising in a country where less than 10% of the population has access to electricity and more than 85% of the population still cooks with firewood and charcoal. A sample of 100 households in an area with no electricity was chosen to purchase at subsidized price the solar lanterns and a logbook system were put into place to check how much paraffin were spared. A monitoring, verification and evaluation system was followed to assess also other issues apart from carbon sequestration such as change of behavioural patterns, use of saved money, product improvement, etc. Another 100 households with no LED lanterns were used as control sample. The study was done in cooperation with Uganda Carbon Bureau. This institution provides support to such initiatives. Lessons learned and best practices are included.