African Agribusiness Review (Business/Agri crossover) | 20 November 2000
Monitoring Solar Mini-grids on Smallholder Livelihoods in Eastern Uganda: Energy Access and Economic Impacts
J, a, m, e, s, K, a, y, o, n, d, o, ,, E, l, a, i, n, e, N, a, m, u, g, a, l, a, ,, P, a, t, r, i, c, k, K, a, j, u, n, g, u
Abstract
Solar mini-grids have been introduced to provide energy access for smallholder farmers in Eastern Uganda, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews was employed to assess the effectiveness of solar mini-grid systems. Solar mini-grids significantly increased electricity connectivity, particularly in rural areas where only 30% had access prior to implementation. Economic benefits included a $20 increase in daily income for households using these grids. The findings suggest that solar mini-grids can effectively improve energy access and boost economic activities among smallholder farmers. Further studies should explore long-term impacts and scalability of solar mini-grid systems across different regions with varying agricultural contexts. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.