Modern Energy: Impacts on Microenterprises. Field Test on Research Methodology.

Abstract

This DFID research project aims to test the hypothesis that the provision of modern energy services facilitates improvements to standards of living, via the establishment or growth of micro-enterprise, which create jobs and cash income, thus reducing vulnerability and enabling participation in the economy. The research methodology centres on pre- and post energisation surveys of communities. It will gather and assess quantitative data, with qualitative investigations to help understand the context of the data and the broader impact of such interventions. The phase-1 of the project centers on the development and testing of the methodology. This report describes the field trial and provides commentary that serves to provide insights and guidance on the implementation of methodology. The field trial was undertaken in the South African peri-urban community of Fisantekraal, which had been electrified in 2001. The trial largely confirmed that the method is valid and assumptions on which it is based are sound.

Citation

Didcot, UK: AEA Energy, 104 pp.

Modern Energy: Impacts on Microenterprises. Field Test on Research Methodology.

Published 1 January 2003