Impacts of Solar Pv Minigrid Electrification on the Livelihoods Transformation of Rural Communities in Korogwe District, Tanzania

Bartholomew, Shukuru (2019) Impacts of Solar Pv Minigrid Electrification on the Livelihoods Transformation of Rural Communities in Korogwe District, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the impacts of solar PV mini-grid electrification on transformation of the livelihoods of community in Tanzania, with the case of Mpale village in Korogwe district. The main focus was to examine the level of awareness on energy savings and efficient use of electricity, examine level of community involvement in the project and to determine the opportunities solar PV mini-grid electricity can create to facilitate the livelihood transformation of the community. The cross sectional study research design was adopted and both purposive and randomly sampling techniques were used to collect data from 100 respondents using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Observation was also used to ascertain the project impact. The descriptive analysis of data was done using SPSS version 16.0. Findings of the study have shown that there is basic awareness among the community members on the efficient use of electricity and energy savings. The study revealed that participatory approaches were used during project implementation; community was involved at different stages and capacities hence bring in sense of ownership. The study revealed that though the project impacts have started to be realized on the social and economy aspects, it is only 31.7% of the community is using electricity for productive purposes, due to low awareness on available opportunities. The study recommends for further awareness creation to users on best practices in using electricity efficiently and stimulation of electricity demand by supporting and providing appliances to enterprises for maximized productive uses. These assure sustainability of the solar PV minigrid system and the improved social wellbeing for transformed livelihoods of the community members.

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