Posted on 06 July 2012

Gill Davies has been busy researching solar markets in Malawi and sharing her findings! We consider ourselves lucky to have such an ace blogger and researcher. Gill's latest blog looks at the impact of solar light sales on kerosene sellers, and what eradicating kerosene lamps from Africa by 2020 will mean for their trade. Check it out:

"Of course I’m fully supportive of this BHAG and know full well the negative health, safety, environmental, financial and social impacts of having to rely on kerosene for lighting. But there are certain situations where it’s still difficult to keep these benefits in mind - when talking to people who make their living from kerosene.

We did a mini-interview with a kerosene seller in Karonga to find out more about his work, particularly wanting to hear about the current kerosene shortage and the difficulties it’s causing him. But he interpreted the question differently and told us exactly why solar lights are ruining his business! The reality is that people do make a living out of kerosene and they’re going to be impacted as Malawi moves towards the BHAG..." Read on at renewablegill.tumblr.com

Follow Gill on twitter: @renewableGill