Assessing the role of solar home systems in poverty alleviation: Case study of Rukungiri district in Western Uganda (November, 2015)

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of people who live below the poverty line, and furthermore the region has the lowest rate of modern energy access at 32%. Providing modern energy access in rural un-electrified areas has the potential to contribute to alleviating poverty. The main objective of this study has therefore been to assess the role of solar home systems (SHSs) in poverty alleviation in Uganda. The paper focuses on the impact on four socio-economic categories, namely: financial, education, health and gender equity. The study was carried out in Kebisoni, Western Uganda. The main finding is that access to solar power does indeed alleviate poverty. The data indicates an increase in households' disposable income due to the use of solar energy for lighting. Savings were generated from a reduced expenditure on alternative lighting fuels, such as kerosene. Some households used these savings to meet medical-related expenses. Furthermore, the results revealed that there was an improvement in indoor air quality. Children in solar-connected households benefited, as they were now able to increase their hours of study at night. Lastly, the study also revealed that access to lighting from SHSs enabled women to supplement household income by engaging in businesses.