SPARKNET Bibliography

Author and Title	Davis, Mark, Lucy Wamukonya, "Socio-economic Impacts of Rural Electrification in Namibia; Report 1: Comparisons between Grid, Solar and Unelectrified Households"
Article in	Energy and Development Research Centre, University of Cape Town, 1999
Available online at
End use	Household energy; lighting and its effects on women's lives/work
Energy technology	Electricity (grid and decentralised)
Issue	Energy and livelihoods
Level	Research
Description	This document reports on research undertaken to investigate the socio-economic impacts of rural electrification in Namibia. The primary objectives of the research were to assess the impact of electricity, both grid and off-grid, on energy consumption patterns in households, to examine the impact of electrification on household welfare and to investigate households' members' perception of electricity. The study shows that the benefits from access to electricity are better lighting, convenient cooking fuel, access to TV and radio, ironing and refrigeration. The welfare of households is improved by improved quality of life, reduced energy expenses, safety, health, education and extended day. Although, the focus is not specific on women or gender, many households in rural areas are female-headed and the study concludes that women profit as much as men of rural electrification.

This bibliography item provided with financial support of the Department for International Development of the UK Government (DFID) and ENERGIA International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy