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Achieving energy justice in Malawi: from key challenges to policy recommendations

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  • Darren McCauley

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Rebecca Grant

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Evance Mwathunga

    (University of Malawi)

Abstract

Addressing energy provision and access in Sub-Saharan Africa is a key global challenge. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders, this paper applies an energy justice framework in overviewing energy realities and policies in Malawi, where electricity access remains among the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The use of woodfuel remains high for meeting cooking, heating, and lighting needs leading to indoor air pollution, with serious health consequences, and widespread deforestation. Responses to these dual challenges, a lack of electricity access and ongoing woodfuel use, must be rooted in notions of equity, fairness, and justice. Application of energy justice theorising provides insights into how policy stakeholders are responding to complex and interconnected issues of energy generation and access in low-income settings. Overall, a just response to these energy challenges is possible, but only if it is built on local inclusive governance with fairer and effective systems of investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Darren McCauley & Rebecca Grant & Evance Mwathunga, 2022. "Achieving energy justice in Malawi: from key challenges to policy recommendations," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 170(3), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:170:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-022-03314-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03314-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Ehiaze Augustine Ehimen & Peter Yamikani Sandula & Thomas Robin & Gregory Tsonga Gamula, 2023. "Improving Energy Access in Low-Income Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Case Study of Malawi," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-26, March.

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