Investigating the socio-technical dynamics of rural electrification in Nepal A case study from the Okhaldunga district
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Industrial ecology (MPTSE), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Ariaman, Parsa
Baumert, Niels
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
In the past two decades, Nepal has significantly increased access to
electricity for its population. The remaining efforts towards electricity
access for all are focused on rural areas where electrification can have
an important role in rural development. However, realizing the benefits of
electrification depends on addressing socio-technical factors.
Understanding deep-rooted social dynamics and how they are connected
to the technical aspects of electricity access is essential for providing the
necessary complementary activities for rural development.
This master thesis aims to gain a systemic understanding of the socio-
technical dynamics within rural electrification by studying the case of
electrification in the Okhaldhunga district in Nepal. With the help of semi-
structured qualitative interviews, drivers and barriers in this electrification
process are identified, supported by literature and contextual interviews.
With the help of two theoretical frameworks: Diffusion theory by Rogers
and Energy Cultures by Stephenson et. al., as well as existing research
on the topic, the results are placed in a fitting context.
The results, which are composed of the four themes: 1. Cooking and
appliances for households; 2. Education, knowledge, and culture; 3.
Government and institutions; and 4. Opportunities provide the basis for
the discussion. The academic contribution of the thesis lies in the
interrelationships between the subthemes which are later connected to
the theory and supporting literature for context and relevance. Resulting
from the discussion, the need for three complementary activities is
presented, aiming to mitigate the gaps that were addressed in the
discussion. The three complementary activities include: 1. Targeted
education and knowledge programs; 2. Trust, communication, and
collaboration improvement; and 3. Local opportunity creation. Finally, this
thesis produces action recommendations to support stakeholders in their
efforts to increase the rate of positive change with the ongoing rural
electrification of Nepal.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
rural electrification , socio-technical dynamics , knowledge , rural development