Industry 4.0,green energy and rural development

In South Africa there is a general awareness amongst policy and decision makers that the country is in many ways still a developing country with the existing international digital divide and most evident locally, the geographical bias of the urban-rural divide (Condradie et al;199).The average Internet user has proved to be relatively affluent and educated .Rural areas in the country are unfortunately not only lagging behind with regard to literacy, computer skills and high incomes rates that in some way or another contribute to the urban-rural digital divide.

The provision of internet in rural areas is a very complicated issue, mainly because of the availability of infrastructure within our rural communities. Without the necessary infrastructure, its almost impossible to even begin to think about bridging the urban-rural divide when conceptualizing policy. It is stated by Condradie et al (2003;205) that an innovative communications infrastructure called the Wireless Network Package was developed by CSIR in order to connect rural villages in the Eastern Cape. This product can provide a fast and cost-effective solution for the roll-out of communications into rural communities, especially in areas where the installation of telephone lines is still at the planning stage. What is also very beneficial with this package is its ability to link business offices over several kilometers.

Another very important issue affecting rural communities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of access to affordable electricity. This is particularly very distressing since most of the countries in this region have renewable energy potential, technologically feasible to exploit with current technology (Deichman;2011).With the surge of poverty so high, its important for African countries to gain access to electricity. The World Bank (1996;216) has documented the economic and health benefits of switching from biomass fuel to electricity. Efficient and clean energy supply is central to the reduction of poverty and also very important for economic growth.

These benefits are seen in small business which can increase their production hours once their connected to electricity. Electricity also improves health by facilitating longer hours for clinics. Lastly we can also see improved education levels as the provision of electricity can and lighting can extend study hours. It is stated by Deichman (2011;217) that solar energy is a particularly attractive renewable option for Africa because it is naturally decentralized, available in huge supply, falling steadily in cost as the technology advances and immune from supply or price uncertainty.

Sub-Saharan Africa is gifted with solar energy resources suitable for photovoltaic solar systems as well as for solar thermal facilities. With this mentioned, it should be a priority for public policy makers to start considering the great potential of taking advantage of solar as policy is being developed to help improve the standard of living of those living in poverty. Solar energy not only gives us a cheap and very efficient and sustainable energy source. It can also help improve policy and governance for future efficient service delivery. It is stated by Karekezi & Kithyoma (2002;1071) that Sub-Saharan Africa’s region is perceived to be the ideal place for the deployment of new innovative electrification technologies that will both be cost effective and environmentally friendly.

The basis of the argument in this essay is to show how, by using solar energy, policy can be developed to help improve the lively-hood of poverty stricken rural communities without electricity. This by coming up with innovative ways to provide them with basic services like cooking and electrifying their homes. When pushing for green energy, it is also important to note that without electricity, rural areas rely heavily on firewood collection as a means for energy source. This not only has an impact on human health and air pollution. Its an ever increasing epidemic on deforestation that is seeing most of our forests being wiped out.

It is stated by Karekezi & Kithyoma (2002;1073) that households require energy mainly for cooking, lighting and space heating. Cooking which takes up almost 90% of the energy consumption. This also means that its mostly women that are effected by the negative effects of cooking without electricity. To curb this problem, a solar technology called the water disinfection can be used to protect women and children. It uses energy from the sun to destroy pathogens in water which makes the water safer to drink. This initiative along with many others should pave the way for new and improved ideas on ways to help improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable.

References

Conradie. D , Morris. C & Jacobs. S, (2003) Using information and

Communication technologies (ICTs) for deep rural development in South Africa, Communication,

29:1-2, 199-217, DOI: 10.1080/02500160308538027

Deichmann. U, 2011. The economics of renewable energy expansion in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. Energy Policy (39) 215-227

Karekezi. S, Kithyoma .W 2002. Renewable energy strategies for rural Africa:is a PV-led renewable energy strategy the right approach for providing modern energy to the rural poor of sub-Saharan Africa. Energy Policy (30) 1071-1086