On behalf of our Advisory Panel, I am pleased to introduce the second quarterly edition of the “Energy and Development” with its strong focus on rural energy service delivery in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Discussed here are the converging issues which need to be addressed when designing successful rural energy delivery programs and projects. These include: policies, technology and program options, institutional frameworks, and best practices in stakeholder participation. From CORE International, Inc. and our Advisory Panel's experience in the areas of energy sector reform and restructuring and the provision of sustainable, high quality and reliable, and affordable energy services to rural populations we have come to know and purport the link between poverty alleviation and the provision of energy services. The selected best practice examples and lessons learned from the SADC Region contained within this issue describe experiences and lessons which can be drawn from the countries of Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Zambia. All of the articles describe the benefits as well as innovative approaches that have allowed the delivery of energy services to serve as a fuel for economic growth and sustainable development. In response to our last issue, we received a large number of emails, letters, and phone calls from energy stakeholders thanking us, providing information on relevant programs in their own countries, and raising our own awareness of innovative programs which will indeed be researched for future issues of "Energy and Development". I would like to encourage your contributions to this global We welcome your suggestions by email at : info@energyanddevelopment.com

Lois A. Varrick