Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) development as an industry and as a paraffin replacement in rural and peri-urban areas

Client: Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs (DME) and a private French investor

Area: KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng, South Africa

Timeline: February 2004 – June 2004

Details: This project was motivated by the DME’s nationwide drive to assess alternate, safer replacements for paraffin as well as a French investors interest in LPG development in South Africa. OneWorld conducted a socio-economic and feasibility study in two pre-selected pilot regions with particular focus on:

  • Stakeholder engagement and public participation
  • Assessment of current fuel usages with emphasis on social, economic and cultural issues and beliefs
  • Assesment of barriers to a fuel switching process
  • Behaviour analysis
  • Benefits analysis
  • Cost benefits analysis
  • Logistics analysis
  • Communication and awareness strategy
  • Complete feasibility report, including recommendations