Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Of Decentralized Hybrid (Photovoltaic & Genset) Technology In Rural Areas Of West Africa Case Study: Burkina Faso

Abstract

Access to electricity is the key and driving force of all economic and social development of populations. Access to electricity is a collective supply that modernizes rural areas. It favours quantitative and qualitative development building of the villages. The present study was to assess socio-economic impact of decentralized energy system in Bilgo located in Burkina Faso. This assessment was based on two levels; household and community levels. In carrying out the research, a survey was conducted by administering questionnaires to the community residents and data collection from some international institutions. Access to electricity and its impact on the two levels was assessed. The obtained results from this study shows that in the community, access to electricity has led to an increase of 47 % in girl’s school attendance, enabled opening of 18 economic activities and increased the number of equipment in Bilgo health center. At household level, the opinions of the respondents are differently shared. It indicates that electrification increased comfort by 50 %, contributed to better well-being by 30 % and provided a better means of security for the remaining 20 % of the population between 12 and 19. It also resulted in better health services and opening of more businesses. As regards access to information, electrification resulted in an increase in acquisition of mobile phones by 38 %, radio by 22 % and TV by 13.3 %. Domestic lighting increases the time for activities and leisure. This is explained by the fact that for the surveyed population, the hours of dinners vary between 7 and 8 pm and washing of dishes occurs from 9 to10 pm. Access to electricity brought about economic supplies in Bilgo village. Access to electricity also facilitates comfort, security, well-being, education of the rural population. It is supply which brings about economic activities that help rural population by creating opportunities and conducive business environment. This kind of trade is the most beneficial economic activity in Bilgo population.