Solar Panels
Almost two billion people in developing countries -- one third of the world's population -- have no access to electricity. Fuelwood, agricultural residues, human power and draught animals continue to be the primary energy resources for millions of rural families.
Finding alternative sources of energy that are both economical and environmentally friendly is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity and improving the quality of life in rural communities. A new FAO publication, "Solar photovoltaics for sustainable agriculture and rural development", suggests that photovoltaic solar energy systems may be part of the solution.
Finding the right niche
The publication makes clear that photovoltaic solar systems are still relatively costly and therefore are not "a panacea for solving all rural poverty problems". However, they do offer tremendous potential for filling certain extremely important 'niche applications'.
"Solar energy systems, together with wind energy and other renewable energy applications, are the only technically viable solution to deliver the energy required by isolated rural communities," says Gustavo Best, FAO Senior Energy Coordinatorin a radio interview. "Small amounts of energy can make a tremendous difference, making it possible to improve rural lives, enhance agricultural productivity and create new opportunities to earn income."
Solar power is currently used primarily for household lighting and radio and television. By extending the hours of available light, it creates extra time for productive activities. This has been especially beneficial to women and children, who spend more time indoors. The extra light allows women to perform activities such as sewing, basket-making and handicrafts and lets children continue studying after dark.But solar energy's potential is relatively untapped in increasing agricultural productivity and rural development in general. With a supportive financial and institutional environment, solar energy systems could significantly improve health care and education; water supply for consumption, irrigation and livestock; food preparation and refrigeration; veterinary services; communication; and tourism. It also holds promise for productive off-farm activities (restaurants, cinemas, technical and artisinal workshops, etc.) by powering tools, kitchen equipment, phones and other appliances.
Some of us think that our far off ancestors lived in the trees – and during our childhood, when our thoughts and memories are most pure, we yearn to climb trees growing in our gardens, in our parks, in our cities. As we get older, the urge to climb trees subsides as we ride elevators up to our offices in the sky and look out across the cities where we live. Yet occasionally, as we’re sealed up tight in our artificially climatic spaces, we long for a breath of fresh air. 
At a German company called baumraum an architect, a landscape architect, an arbologist, and a craftsman design modern, natural and solidly constructed treehouses. Each treehouse project is assessed individually. The team takes into consideration both the condition of the environment and of the tree, with the size and features the clients desire.
baumraum offers a range of wood-types as well as options for insulated walls. Treespaces can be outfitted with sitting and sleeping benches, storage spaces, a mini-kitchen, heating, glass windows, lighting, as well as a sound system for multimedia. Every piece is pre-fabricated in a workshop, and then brought together on site.
Sound like something you’ve been wanting? The baumraum team offers free consultation where they can talk you through every option available as you put together your dream treehouse. The treehouses can span multiple levels and sit among several trees. Treehouses are mostly secured with ropes, thereby minimising the impact of stress to the tree or trees on which the house is placed. And if a tree is particularly weak, or even if a treehouse is wanted where there is no suitable tree, stilts are used to guarantee people everywhere can once again climb trees. By Andrew J Wiener.
