We are pleased to present our readership with the Fourth issue of “Energy and Development” which focuses on key areas of rural energy development and best practices. The selected papers provide an Interesting discussion on the water energy nexus, the importance of integration of rural energy and rural development, and the role that rural electrification funds can play in the development of programs for poverty alleviation. We also include a discussion paper the successes of power sector reform in the state of Andhra Pradesh (India) that is currently leading all States in terms of the implementation of reform measures. It provides an interesting summary on what impact these measures of change have had on the rural poor.

The six selected papers are presented here provide innovative ideas for reflection and consideration when designing future programs. The first paper “Energy-Water Nexus in Rural Areas: Issues for Effective Governance” illustrates the cycle in energy and water use in rural areas. It emphasizes that the impacts of the ground water withdrawals that are tied to energy prices must be fully comprehended by the rural population in the agrarian economic base of countries. The key message is that while having access to the energy increases production quotas, ignoring conservation of water resources and particularly ground water tables, will have a devastating impact on rural livelihoods in the medium term. The second paper “Integration of Rural Energy and Rural Development Programs” advocates that there is a need to have a new approach in the formulation of policies and programs in rural
development that include rural energy programs as a keystone for success. Such policy must provide for decentralized decision-making process to account for local needs, aspirations, and available resources. The paper provides a discussion of The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific's (CARD CIRDAP) Approach to Rural Development and its successful methodology for village transformation.

The third paper “Rural Electrification Fund in Southern African Community (SADC) Countries”, focuses on the importance of establishing separate and exclusive funds for rural electrification. In the absence of exclusive funds, rural electrification programs receive "step-motherly treatment" rather than the maternal treatment required for their successful implementation. The fourth paper “Green Power” discusses the opportunities for harnessing and solar energy, and the new emerging role of using hydrogen as a source of clean energy in the developing country context. “Power Sector Reforms and Achievements of Objectives Example of Andhra Pradesh, India” is the fifth paper in this journal and provides a case study in creativity on the part of the state of Andhra Pradesh's utilities which have been able to improve their financial health despite a lack of tariff increase during the last five years. This was achieved by adopting new technologies, resorting to better man and material management, and a host of other new steps implemented in a planned manner. The last and sixth paper “The Role of Income Generation in Creating Market Access for Successful Rural Energy Supply Initiatives” focuses on the single most important factor in creating a market for energy services in rural areas -- increased income generation for rural populations by integrating rural energy and rural development programs together can have the greatest impact in improving the quality of life of rural populations. We hope that you have benefited from reading our newsletter during its first year of publication. We look
forward to receiving your comments and feedback and welcome the opportunity to review papers by energy sector specialists interested in engaging in the dialogue of forwarding development through the most important economic engine of any economy - its energy sector. At CORE International, Inc. we continue to provide, as well as build our expertise, through several multi- Year worldwide energy programs funded by various donor organizations. With the international recognition of the role of participatory approaches to energy service delivery and improved energy sector governance, CORE's motto Development Through International Partnerships has acquired a renewed significance in the field of international development. Please address any questions, comments, and insights to the attention of
The Editor, Energy and Development at coreindia@vsnl.net.

Lois A. Varrick