The objective of the Cane Resources Network for Southern Africa (CARENSA) was to assess critically the role of bio-energy from sugarcane in promoting sustainable development in Southern Africa. The CARENSA network comprised four European organizations (Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI), Imperial College, London, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Greece, and CIRPS, Interuniversity Research Centre on Sustainable Development, Italy), four African organizations (University of Mauritius, University of Natal, Durban, Biomass Users Network (BUN), Zimbabwe, and Centre for Energy, Environment, and Engineering (CEEZ), Zambia), two organizations from the largest cane producing countries of the world (Winrock International India, CENBIO, Brazil), and three international organizations (International Sugar Organization (ISO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and Southern African Development Community (SADC)).

The project had five thematic phases namely, (i) agriculture, (ii) industry, (iii) markets, (iv) impacts, and (v) integration. The network facilitated improved regional cooperation and policy coordination through an on-going forum among researchers, policy-makers, and industry representatives. The network identified appropriate technologies, effective regional policies, and feasible cane co-product strategies to sustainably harness this unique agricultural resource.

The outcome of the study includes developing a set of performance benchmarks and implementation strategies for the region. The project team met five times, engaged in exchanges and study visits, and led three project workshops with industry and policy representatives. Milestones included annual reports and final reports for each phase, three workshop reports, and five thematic reports with recommendations for further action. The study report helped in identifying potential sugarcane based bio-energy projects for the region and prepare a comprehensive plan for implementation of these projects.

Sugar mills in the region were in the process of implementing bagasse cogeneration and ethanol projects based on the recommended strategies of the project. A strong network of stakeholders for taking this initiative further had already been created. More details of the project can be obtained from the CARENSA web site: www.carensa.net