ABSTRACT
Biomass energy plays a vital role in meeting local energy demand in many regions of the developing world. Modern biomass energy is widely used in many developed countries as well as in parts of the non-industrialized world. Biomass is a primary source of energy for close to 2.4 billion people in developing countries (IEA, 2002b; Trossero, 2000; FAO, 2000). It is easily available to many of the world’s poor and provides vital and affordable energy for cooking and space heating. Biomass-based industries are a significant source of enterprise development, job creation and income generation in rural areas (Karekezi et al, 2002c; Goldemberg, 2003; Trossero, 2000; Reddy et al, 1997; Barnes et al, 1994; Kammen, 1995; Larson and Williams, 1995). With proper management backed by adherence to appropriate ecological practices, modern biomass can be a sustainable source of electricity as well as liquid and gaseous fuels. Subject to its sustainable exploitation, biomass is not only a vital source of energy for many today but is likely to remain an important source of energy in the future (Yamamoto et al, 2001; Trossero, 2000; Hall and Rosillo-Calle, 1998; Kammen, 1995; Barnes et al, 1994).
