| Rural areas in developing countries face severe energy problems. At some places, this problem is addressed by ad-hoc policies, which in many instances lack continuity. The lack of both energy data and the capability to analyse energy options for a given planning area have been the primary causes for misrepresentation of rural energy problems.;In this research, a systematic approach for analysing energy situations using a decision support system is proposed. The approach combines a geographical information system and a multiobjective programming method. A geographical information system helps in database management and multiobjective programming helps in the analysis of conflicting objectives such as cost, efficiency, environment, and equity.;The proposed system is applied to a rural region and two cases are studied. Ten energy options are discussed and resource allocations are shown for a few of these options. By knowing the resource allocation and evaluating their implementation possibility, the decision makers are expected to be in a position to choose a better option for the planning area.;The results obtained for the study area indicate that the emphasis should be put on the distribution of efficient fuelwood stoves and exploitation of local energy resources. Any deficit in energy supply thereafter should be met with imported energy sources such as grid electricity and kerosene. The result also indicate that if the proposed energy allocation could be implemented, then it can provide rural employment and provides an opportunity to encourage interfuel substitution in the planning area. |
