Besides training and capacity building initiatives that will be undertaken, the following indicators will be used to measure the sustainability of project results: ? Solar PV well received among beneficiaries: an assessment of community reception and absorption rate of the technology will denote the level of ownership of and involvement in the project. ? Successful output of installations: the provision of basic electricity services, achieving energy efficiency improvements or reducing energy consumption will be used to indicate sustainability. ? Involvement of the private market: a measure of income generating activities initiated and the creation of rural enterprises will mean sustainability in the medium and long-terms

In Sierra Leone, traditionally, women and children are the primary collectors, users, and managers of household energy. Women and children are the most affected when there are difficulties in collecting fuelwood, since they then have to travel far to search for fuelwood for household use. Women are the key players in implementing changes in ?rural energy behaviour?; however, despite the knowledge and experience that they bring to ?energy management?, the contribution and roles of rural women are often overlooked or under-utilized. In order for men and women from the communities to improve their access to and control over energy resources, they need to be organized so they can both manage funds for productive community and environmental projects, as well as advocate for their needs in municipal decision-making. An essential part of this process is for women to be equal participants in defining and representing the community?s interests. The village committees will allow for the following outcomes: ? Involvement of women in the village committees; 60% to be made up of women; ? More women will accrue benefits through training and Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs);