Women and children are now eating more fresh fruit, picked from trees planted around their homes, and they have been able to increase their family incomes by selling coffee, citrus fruits and vegetables. They can now send their children to school, a critical step towards improving the way of life of future generations. The project encourages the participants to teach their new skills to their neighbours, producing a ripple effect that benefits other women. Infrastructure services help to reduce poverty by improving the quality of people's lives and by allowing them to participate in and benefit from economic development. Infrastructure services foster economic growth by providing the essential framework for the private sector and individuals to carry out productive activities.
Energy is a key element in infrastructure and plays a central role in economic development.
Biomass energy comes primarily from forests and woodlands in the form of firewood and charcoal. It accounts for over 50 percent of the energy consumed in most developing countries and is the principal source of energy for cooking and heating in rural areas. The wise use of wood in meeting our energy needs is an important component in the sustainable use of natural resources. A small Canadian firm has developed a simple charcoal kiln that utilizes agriculture and forest residues. The kiln, produced as a kit which can be assembled in the field, increases charcoal yield and can provide the user with immediate revenue for a modest investment.