IMPROVING ENERGY DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN UGANDA, LIBERIA AND SUDAN (ENERGY PLANNING, INSTITUTION BUILDING)

Following the fuel shortages of the 1970's, the critical importance of energy to a country's sustained economic development became widely recognized. In many developing countries, particularly in Africa, a significant portion of foreign exchange earnings is used to pay for imported oil.;This study assesses the resources (funds, analytic equipment and trained personnel) available for collecting and analyzing data in energy planning agencies and organizations in three African countries: Uganda, Liberia and Sudan. It examines the quality of national energy assessments and energy supply/demand statements conducted in each of these countries.;The objectives of this study were: (a) to make recommendations regarding specific training needs in the three countries included in the analysis; and (b) to make observations about planning activities and data collection and analysis problems in these countries that might have application in other countries involved in energy data collection and analysis activities.;The methodology consisted of conducting structured interviews with host government personnel in ministries/agencies who participate in energy planning activities in each country, as well as with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) staff members associated with energy planning projects in these countries. Data quality was analyzed using a standardized rating sheet, based on recommendations of the United Nations Statistical Commission.;The availability of accurate information about energy supply and use is a prerequisite for conducting effective energy planning aimed at addressing energy-related problems. Information on energy supply and demand is of very poor quality in some African countries and virtually non-existent in others.;The findings identified a number of analytic and institutional problems common to the countries examined. It delineated criteria which contributed to the success or failure of planning activities.