3. Background and objectives The objectives of the hearing encompassed the following; . To provide an opportunity for the legislators to question experts and discuss how the growing demand for energy in an age of rising fuel prices can most effectively be met, whilst simultaneously addressing the growing dangers of climate change and ensuring that the poor have adequate access to energy. . The hearing would focus on how to provide electricity to poor rural communities distant from the national grid, as well as issues relating to gender and energy. . The focus would be on the impact of climate change and the energy situation in the Southern Africa region. It would also look at the possibilities for providing energy to the rural poor and options for tapping into the region's huge potential for renewable energies, such as solar, biomass, wind and hydro. In particular, focus would also be on the question of whether mini-grid systems powered by renewable energy sources could be a solution for rural electrification. . The hearing would be action-oriented; focusing on concrete steps that MPs can take there and then in their own parliaments. This was the fifth International parliamentary hearing in a series of nine organized by the e-Parliament for African, Caribbean and Pacific legislators between 2008 and 2010. 4. Action Ideas Discussed