This paper argues that the cost of solar PV system is beyond the reach of most rural poor households in sub-Saharan Africa. The other disadvantage of PV technology is limited power output. PV technology is unsuitable for agro-processing activities that represent the most attractive options for generating incomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Agro-processing activities require equipment with average power output of not less than 1000 W. A PV system of 1000 W is suggested as being too costly for most rural homes, based on the current silicon technologies. The paper concludes by suggesting that sub-Saharan Africa urgently needs alternative energy technologies that can meet the overall energy requirements of the region and promote economic development in the rural areas. Alternative approaches are also suggested to improve the effectiveness of PV technology in providing the energy needs in sub-Saharan Africa in the short, medium and long term.

This paper describes the use of quasi-crystal and fractal concepts in the design of rural and urban landscapes for affordable housing. These are shown to provide a framework for the efficient design of communities in which affordable homes are organized. In contrast to classical urban planning with single centers, distributed centers are integrated into the rural and urban landscapes using crystallographic and fractal concepts. These provide a framework for the dispersion of human traffic into well-identified regions. The combination of quasi-crystal and fractal theory is also used to provide a framework for the organic growth of communities around new distributed centers. These basic ideas are discussed within the context of a holistic framework for affordable housing.

This paper presents a holistic alternative approach to the development of a model of affordable housing within the context of Nigeria. This includes the use of low-cost expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting. The holistic framework also considers the infrastructural requirements and a recreational park that is integrated into a model housing scheme. A cost model is used to estimate the minimum construction costs. The long-term mortgage implications of the results are discussed for the development of affordable housing for low-to medium-income families in developing countries such as Nigeria.