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Exploring Off-Grid Energy Choices: Household Decisions in Upper Blinkwater, South Africa

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  • Mahali Elizabeth Lesala

    (Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa)

  • Golden Makaka

    (Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa)

  • Patrick Mukumba

    (Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa)

Abstract

Household energy is critical for sustainable development, but many rural and off-grid communities lack access. As global concerns about climate change prompt a re-evaluation of energy strategies, understanding rural household energy decisions becomes increasingly complex, particularly in remote areas without grid access. This study examines the energy decisions of households in the Upper Blinkwater community to uncover the primary drivers for their choice of energy amidst grid connections. Survey data from 53 households were analyzed using multivariate regression. The findings revealed significant economic vulnerability among the respondents, marked by high unemployment and limited resource access, with the majority of households relying on social grants. These households depend on multiple energy sources, with firewood usage significantly influenced by the availability of grants, total income, post-primary education, household size, and remittance income. The findings contradict the energy ladder hypothesis, indicating that despite economic improvements, a complete transition to modern fuels may not be possible as firewood remains a crucial energy source. These results highlight the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors in household energy decisions and underscore the importance of enhancing infrastructure, providing economic incentives, and conducting educational campaigns to facilitate the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahali Elizabeth Lesala & Golden Makaka & Patrick Mukumba, 2024. "Exploring Off-Grid Energy Choices: Household Decisions in Upper Blinkwater, South Africa," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:14:p:3556-:d:1438714
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abubakar Hamid Danlami & Rabiul Islam & Shri Dewi Applanaidu, 2015. "An Analysis of the Determinants of Households Energy Choice: A Search for Conceptual Framework," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 5(1), pages 197-205.
    2. Korngiebel, D.M. & Taualii, M. & Forquera, R. & Harris, R. & Buchwald, D., 2015. "Addressing the challenges of research with small populations," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(9), pages 1744-1747.
    3. Ye, Yuxiang & Koch, Steven F., 2021. "Measuring energy poverty in South Africa based on household required energy consumption," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
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