Kerosene is still heavily used in poorer parts of Africa as a fuel for lighting. According to a 2003 study, In Durban, South Africa more than seven out of ten households in low-income metropolitan areas rely on kerosene for domestic purposes, leading to widespread problems of poor indoor air quality.
The burning of kerosene generates nitrogen dioxide, benzene and toluene. Nitrogen dioxide is known to affect both respiratory and immune systems, benzene is carcinogenic and toluene is also toxic. Additionally, kerosene combustion also generates high levels of carbon dioxide.
Quite a few initiatives have been launched in recent years to help poor African families have access to safe, affordable and environmentally lighting, such as Solar Aid, which also seeks to integrate solar power on a larger scale for poorer regions.
The challenge in bringing renewable energy to impoverished regions is always cost. As solar technology improves, more products are becoming available in the lower price range to provide basic lighting.
A new product to be launched soon is the Solar Pebble. According to the company behind the light, Plus Minus Solar, the Solar Pebble is an innovative solar powered lamp, targeted for use in rural Africa as a humanitarian product; but also to be sold elsewhere for camping applications.
Powered by 6 volt batteries charged via a small, efficient solar panel, the Solar Pebble also has the ability to charge mobile phones and other devices. A ratchet handle allows the product to be carried and angled when standing or suspended and can be easily be strapped to a backpack for daytime charging.
Plus Minus Solar will launch the Solar Pebble in Uganda in June 2010. Pricing in Uganda is unknown at this point, but it’s understood the company will also be using a "buy one here, support us there" model; whereby people in developed countries who purchase a lamp for themselves will see a Uganda family receiving one for free.
