-
Author
-
Mazongonda, Stephen
-
Title
-
The Adoption of off-grid solar energy technology as an intervention for rural energy poverty alleviation: a case of Shamva district: Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe
-
Abstract
-
The global energy landscape has seen a revolutionary transition in recent years towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. This is in line with ensuring universal access to smart, affordable and sustainable energy for all as espoused in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7). Thus, no one and no place should be left behind in this sustainable energy trajectory. However, rural areas in developing countries remain marginalized in access to energy, thus the prevalence of rural energy poverty. Hence, the study sought to examine the adoption of off grid solar energy technology as an intervention in alleviating rural energy poverty in Shamva District, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. Consistent with this, the study examined the key determinants in the adoption of off grid solar energy technology by households in Shamva District. Additionally, the study also assessed factors influencing household’s perception in the adoption of off grid solar energy technology. Furthermore, the study evaluated barriers in the adoption of off grid solar energy technology which were critical success factors in the transition to solar energy in Shamva District. The study used concurrent mixed research design. In the same regard, multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted and administrative wards of Shamva District were divided into three clusters comprising of Madziwa Communal lands, Chakonda Communal Lands and A1 and A2 Resettlement Areas. Besides this, random sampling procedure was also used in the selection of clusters and research participants from the clusters. In the same vein purposive sampling was used in the selection of key informants. Quantitative data was collected from eighty-five (85) household respondents and qualitative data from four (4) key informants, thus culminating into a sample of eighty-nine (89) respondents. In line with data analysis, descriptive statistics, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21, regression analysis and thematic analysis were employed in data presentation and analysis. The study established that the following factors were key determinants in the adoption of households to off grid solar energy technology:-level of wealth, gender,level of education, size of herd of cattle owned and typology of solar energy technology. However, the study established a lack of association between age and adoption of off grid solar energy technology in Shamva District. In the same regard, quality of solar energy equipment, knowledge and awareness, and community participation in off grid solar energy projects were found key in influencing household perception towards the adoption of solar energy technology. Thus, these were key in framing interventions to address rural energy poverty in Shamva District. Furthermore, the research examined factors which were inhibiting households in the adoption of solar energy technology. Consistent with this, the following factors were found critical in the adoption of off grid solar energy technology: high upfront costs, extreme poverty, impacts of Covid 19 pandemic and vandalism and theft of solar energy equipment. Given the foregoing, the study recommended the introduction of measures to address gender disparities, Climate Smart Livestock Management and increased access to education. In addition the study also recommended the need to uphold quality control in off grid solar energy technology sector, dissemination of knowledge and awareness of off grid solar energy technology and enhancing community participation in off grid solar energy technology. Furthermore, the study recommended the need for financial incentives to offset upfront costs of off grid solar energy technology, introduction of poverty reduction strategies, post Covid 19 pandemic financial recovery package in the solar energy technology sector and enhancing security protocols on installed solar energy equipments’ . Thus, multi-faceted and inclusive approach were proffered as interventions in fostering a sustainable transition to solar energy in Shamva District.
-
Date
-
May 2014
-
Publisher
-
BUSE
-
Keywords
-
Sustainable Development Goal (7)
-
Off Grid Solar Energy Technology
-
Energy Poverty
-
Sustainable and renewable energy
-
Supervisor
-
Dr A. Manyani
Mazongonda Stephen.pdf