Investigating the socio-technical dynamics of rural electrification in Nepal A case study from the Okhaldunga district
| dc.contributor.author | Ariaman, Parsa | |
| dc.contributor.author | Baumert, Niels | |
| dc.contributor.department | Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation | sv |
| dc.contributor.department | Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics | en |
| dc.contributor.examiner | Alhborg, Helene | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Michael, Kavya | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-06-20T14:22:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-06-20T14:22:52Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.date.submitted | ||
| dc.description.abstract | 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. | |
| dc.identifier.coursecode | TEKX08 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/307976 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.setspec.uppsok | Technology | |
| dc.subject | rural electrification | |
| dc.subject | socio-technical dynamics | |
| dc.subject | knowledge | |
| dc.subject | rural development | |
| dc.title | Investigating the socio-technical dynamics of rural electrification in Nepal A case study from the Okhaldunga district | |
| dc.type.degree | Examensarbete för masterexamen | sv |
| dc.type.degree | Master's Thesis | en |
| dc.type.uppsok | H | |
| local.programme | Industrial ecology (MPTSE), MSc |