African Maintenance Engineering | 09 February 2021
Evaluating Power-Distribution Equipment Adoption in Uganda through Randomized Field Trials: A Methodological Assessment
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Abstract
Power distribution equipment (PDE) is critical for ensuring reliable electrical supply in Uganda. However, adoption rates of these systems vary significantly across different regions. A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted in two randomly selected districts, with 100 households per district as study participants. Data on equipment usage, maintenance practices, and user feedback were collected over six months using a structured questionnaire. The proportion of households adopting PDEs within six months ranged from 25% to 40%, with higher adoption rates observed in districts with better infrastructure and community engagement initiatives. This study provides insights into the effectiveness of RCT methodology for evaluating PDE adoption, highlighting the importance of pre-existing infrastructural conditions and community involvement in adoption processes. Future research should consider implementing targeted interventions to enhance PDE adoption rates, particularly focusing on less urbanized areas where adoption is notably lower. The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y<em>{it}=\beta</em>0+\beta<em>1X</em>{it}+u<em>i+\varepsilon</em>{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.