Utilising electricity access for poverty reduction.

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2015
Country:
India, Kenya
Document Type:
Technical Report
Theme:
Social Change
Authors:
Hanna, R., Wanjiru, H., Palit, D., Pueyo, A., Sharma, K.R., Waters, L., Willcox, M.

Abstract

The productive use of electricity can support sustained poverty reduction by enabling the creation and improvement of income generating activities. However, in order to realise these positive impacts, the level of electricity access must be sufficient and enabling conditions beyond the electricity supply itself must be in place.

The relationship between electricity access provision and poverty reduction has been unclear and policymakers are seeking answers to the following questions:
1. What level of electricity access is required to enable and sustain poverty escape?
2. What constraints, despite increased access to electricity, mean that people are not able to use that electricity productively? How can they be removed?

The research presented in this report has sought to explore these questions through a review of existing literature and case studies in Kenya and India which looked at the policy and regulatory regime in each country, and included stakeholder interviews and field research.

Citation

Willcox, M.; Waters, L.; Wanjiru, H.; Pueyo, A.; Hanna, R.; Palit, D.; Sharma, K.R. Utilising electricity access for poverty reduction. Practical Action Consulting, Bourton-on-Dunsmore, UK (2015) 105 pp.

Published 1 January 2015
Contents