ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a simulation model of rural energy systems consisting of population sub-model, cattle population sub-model, crop production sub-model, fuel consumption sub-model, rural electrification sub-model and quality of life sub-model. To build up confidence in model predictions, the model is validated by comparing the simulated predictions of rice production with the observed data of rice production. The model is also simulated for population, rice production and food self-sufficiency for a time horizon of 15 years, and beef and milk production for a time horizon of 30 years. Policy options for rural afforestation on rural forests, improved cooking stoves for cooking using fuelwood, biomass and briquettes, and production of biogas from cowdung are also addressed. Finally, the impacts of rural electrification on the quality of life of rural people are presented.
