Socio- economic benefits of energy initiatives on the wellbeing of rural households in Homa Bay County Kenya

Abstract

Access to energy is perceived to improve the social, economic and wellbeing of a society. However, there exists a challenge in ascertaining the actual benefits of energy initiatives introduced in the community. To a larger extent in the absence of tangible results most initiatives end up as a blessing in disguise to the society. The study sought to examine the effect of energy initiatives on people‘s socio-economic livelihoods in Homa bay County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Identify the energy initiatives in Homa Bay County; assess their socio-economic benefit on wellbeing; and examine the challenges encountered in the adoption and use of the energy initiatives. The study was based on capability theory and diffusion of innovation theory and utilized pragmatism philosophical underpinning. Based on mixed methodology, the study adopted ex post facto research design. The target population was 203,192 and using systematic and cluster sampling techniques, a sample size of 389 was selected for the study. Instruments of data collection were structured questionnaire, interview schedule and observation guide. Data was analyzed both descriptively and inferentially. Descriptive analysis employed frequencies, percentages; inferential statistics involved the use of chi square, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study established two main sources of household cooking technologies; the three stone fire and the Kenya ceramic jiko. Additionally, the main sources of household cooking fuel were biomass, kerosene and LPG. Adoption of solar (126) and electricity (76) enabled homework and assignments to be done at night. Households (235) were also able to access educative programs on TV, radio or use their mobile phones for social activities. Chi square analysis revealed that adoption of kerosene (X 2 (2) = 4.305, p<0.05) and charcoal (X 2 (2) = 6.656, p<0.05) reduced the problem of chesty cough. Kerosene (X 2 (2) = 5.873, p<0.05) and charcoal (X 2 (2) = 9.101, p<0.05) also reduced eye irritation. However, Households reported indoor air pollution evidenced by presence of black carbon (83.4%) and smoke (69.2%) in the kitchen area. The challenges included high cost of fuels and appliances, low income and education level, lack of information and long distance to collection and purchasing points. The study concludes that biomass constitute an important fuel in Homa Bay County. Stoves with chimneys can reduce exposure to smoke and black carbon relative to traditional options. The study recommends awareness creation and promotion of clean and improved cooking solutions including modern fuels such as LPG and electricity; renewable solutions such as biogas, and solar; and advanced biomass gasifier stove technologies with the aim of reducing the cost of stoves and creating added economic incentive to replace old, inefficient cookstove models.