For the half of the world's population still dependent on wood and other traditional fuels for basic cooking and heating needs, a serious supply crisis is emerging: forests are disappearing and population pressure on other energy sources is mounting. This book analyzes the energy problems of those caught in the trap of rural subsistence and explores the role energy might play in the transition away from subsistence. It includes eight specially commissioned studies of different developing countries and a review of the small-scale energy technologies presently available for rural use.